Director, Virtualization, V&V

Ford • Dearborn, MI

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

In this position, you will be an integral leader for bringing transformation to how software and vehicle validation is executed in a virtual environment. You will lead a team that is laser-focused on the definition and execution of vECUs and vehicle digital twin. Your team will partner with the Systems Lifecycle, Development, Technical Program Management, and Vehicle Programs and be in lockstep with Connected Vehicle Software and Global Technology Strategy initiatives. You will work closely with these teams to align on software validation and needs to provide a vECU solution and enable scalability. You and your team will be responsible for creating, communicating, and managing the roadmap and execution towards this roadmap. You will be responsible for adhering to the V&V process and compliance to KPIs. You will demonstrate a passion for changing Ford’s approach to software and system quality which is currently focused on vehicle-specific solutions to a cross-program Platform delivery. You will be paving a new road for how Ford Motor Company executes Software Platforms.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or computer science/engineering or equivalent; Master’s degree desired but not required.
• 15+ years in automotive industry with ECU hardware/software development or system/software validation.
• Previous experience defining and delivering vECUs and virtual validation capabilities.
• Work hybrid schedule between in-office (Mexico City) and remote.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products.
• Experience with hardware/software from concept to production.
• Strong preference to have verification and validation experience.
• Experience with Ford Global Product Development System (GPDS) deliverables and timing.
• Experience in building effective teams and navigating teams to balance competing demands.
• Experience in building an effective team and develop positive workplace atmosphere.
• Ability to make sound decisions and exercise good judgement pertaining to operations, procedures, and new processes.
• Demonstrates positive teamwork ethics and good leadership behaviors.
• Skilled in technical planning, business strategy and product coordination.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong people skills.
• Expertise in development of materials for executive level consumption and ability to simplify the messaging to distill to key points.
• Resilient creative thinker and problem-solver. This position will often work in white space that requires evolution from traditional models of doing business.
• Initiative-taker with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a demanding environment.
• Strong drive for results with commitment to quality and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated capability of developing a cross-functional and global team environment.
• Ability to influence peers and stakeholders to gain alignment toward goals.
• Ability to see the big picture and excel in driving challenges that land in hardware, software, embedded system, cloud, supplier, etc.
• Demonstrated mindset of Continuous Improvement.
• Ability to see multiple workstreams and processes, to link synergies, and to eliminate redundancy.

Responsibilities

• Managing a multi-regional Virtualization & Simulation organization responsible for software and system testing to deliver quality software against committed plans.
• Driving V&V strategy changes through initiatives to improve SW quality by reducing defect escapes, increase automation and improve overall efficiency.
• Drive adoption of vECUs across development and validation teams to scale parallel testing.
• Leading teams interfacing with system owners, platform and features to define V&V strategy and communicate on planning and execution status.
• Managing communication of all changes, cost, investment, and adherence to all plans through standard scorecards.
• Leading communication meetings across cross-functional teams to facilitate and coordinate cross-module issues and changes.
• Driving a quality focus into team and deliverable through V&V process including leading metrics.
• Drive common tools, process, and methods aligning with the V&V team to drive efficiency.
• Managing to Platform and Program timelines, risk mitigation plans and cost/investment to ensure on-time and on-target delivery.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to streamline testing and improve quality.
• Developing detailed end-to-end plans for new platforms, products and designs.
• Track to the quality, financial, and talent objectives.

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.

What This Job Offers

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