Design Prototyping Manager
About The Position
We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves? In this position... As a Design Prototyping Manager – Fabrication you will lead a team of prototyping team of fabricators, analysts and technologists to translate concepts into reality in the form of functional high-fidelity prototypes. Leveraging your expertise in automotive design and fabrication knowledge you will have the opportunity to see the future of Ford firsthand and play a pivotal role in the early-stage development of the next generation of Ford vehicle content and experiences. This role requires a deep understanding of automotive systems and subsystems, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion.
Requirements
- Bachelors degree in design, engineering or equivalent
- 5+ years’ experience in prototyping.
- Strong background in fabrication techniques and demonstrated knowledge of design and engineering concepts
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment
- 5+ years of experience working in automotive engineering and/or design with a strong understanding of vehicle level systems and subsystems
- 5+ years of experience leading complex projects and project teams
- 5+ years of experience leveraging prototype manufacturing techniques to build high fidelity prototypes such as additive manufacturing (3D Printing), milling, fiberglass layups, clay modeling, etc.
- Ability to understand and work with CAD and provide direction to design staff.
- 5+ years of experience working collaboratively with design and engineering teams.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Fluency in various CAD software such as Catia, Rhino, Alias, etc.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree in design, engineering or equivalent
- 10+ years’ experience in prototyping.
- Strong background in fabrication techniques and demonstrated knowledge of design and engineering concepts
- Experience with machine learning, artificial intelligence, or other advanced technologies.
Responsibilities
- Lead a team of fabricators, analysts, and technologists to design, build and validate prototypes which include:
- Show / Concept / Pre-Production vehicles
- Interior and exterior systems (Ex: Lighting, Closures, Instruments Panels, Consoles, Seats)
- Interior and exterior components (Ex: Buttons, nobs and switches)
- Interior and exterior clay model armatures
- Develop prototype build timing plans and manage part orders - ensuring key milestones are met to support program delivery
- Work collaboratively with design, engineering, marketing and program teams to align on scope of work, build timing and budget - managing those throughout the prototype build cycle
- Leverage background in automotive systems and subsystems to identify and document design and engineering feasibility concerns and support the identification of robust solutions.
- Identify areas of opportunity and process efficiencies and action those as appropriate
- Stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies to continuously improve prototypes.
Benefits
- Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
- Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
- Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
- Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
- Tuition assistance
- Established and active employee resource groups
- Paid time off for individual and team community service
- A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
- Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
