Design Theme and Surface Development Supervisor (Exterior or Interior)

Ford • Dearborn, MI

4d • $115,000 - $192,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

At Ford, this role is part of Ford Design and Design Technical Operations, which delivers theme feasibility, surface geometry, and production-launch appearance quality. The Supervisor of Theme Feasibility & Surface Development guides a team and cross-functional partners to deliver feasible Class A surfaces that preserve the Design Studio’s emotive direction. The role leads Ford’s Design Feasibility progression from early concept feasibility through final, tool-ready A-surface approval, working across Design, program, engineering, and manufacturing teams.

The position guides the development of Class A surfaces that integrate Design intent with technical, feasibility, manufacturing, and program requirements; develops feasible surface proposals throughout theme and surface development; and delivers high-quality surfaces on time and to agreed requirements. It leads surface-development reviews, resolves conflicts between Design and hardpoints, documents decisions and agreements, and helps stakeholders align around Design intent and program requirements.

The supervisor also leads studio property planning, content, development, setup, and assumption integrity, ensuring properties meet requirements for content, data pedigree, ride height, manikin drop, and overall suitability.

This is a hybrid position. Candidates within commuting distance of a Ford hub location may be required to work onsite four or more days per week. Visa sponsorship is not available. The position is Leadership Level 6, with a stated salary range of $115,000–$192,000.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years of automotive surfacing authoring or surface feasibility experience.
• At least 2 years of experience utilizing CAD, such as Catia V5/3DX, with operational knowledge of surfacing tools such as ISD, ICEMSURF, or Alias.
• Experience with data-management tools such as TCe and visualization tools such as VRED or Unreal.

Nice To Haves

• Strong understanding of studio procedures, Design progression, and the FC process.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and present in cross-functional forums.
• Strong understanding of Class A digital and physical surface verification processes.
• Strong attention to detail and disciplined process execution.
• High proficiency in CAD (Catia V5/3DX) with operational knowledge of surfacing tools such as ISD, ICEMSURF, or Alias.
• Experience with data-management tools such as TCe and visualization tools such as VRED or Unreal.

Responsibilities

• Guide the development of Class A surfaces, integrating Design intent with technical, feasibility, manufacturing, and program requirements.
• Lead the Design Feasibility progression from early concepts through production surfaces, including studio deliverables and resolution of program, functional, manufacturing, and attribute trade-offs.
• Develop feasible surface proposals throughout theme and surface development to enable the Design vision.
• Deliver high-quality, feasible surfaces on time and to agreed requirements.
• Lead surface-development reviews within Design, track issues, and drive them to resolution.
• Reconcile conflicts between Design and hardpoints, documenting decisions, agreements, and next steps.
• Create surface proposals that align stakeholders around Design intent and program requirements.
• Partner with teams to identify practical win-win solutions aligned with Design vision, program direction, and engineering requirements.
• Compile, publish, and drive closure of surface and feasibility critique sheets.
• Lead studio property planning, content, development, setup, and assumption integrity.
• Ensure studio properties meet requirements for content, data pedigree, ride height, manikin drop, and overall suitability.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up child care.
• Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• Paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager