Ford Customization Engineering Manager

Ford Motor • Allen Park, MI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

In this position... You will step into a high-impact leadership role as the Engineering Manager for Ford Customization North America. You will guide a talented and diverse engineering team responsible for the end-to-end development of a broad range of innovative accessories and vehicle packages. This isn't just a management position; it's a driving force behind Ford's sustained growth, increased profitability, and our commitment to exceeding customer and shareholder expectations through cutting-edge vehicle personalization. Seize this exciting opportunity to shape the future of Ford!

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Engineering.
• 6+ years of demonstrated experience in leading or significantly contributing to Product Development, Design and Release processes, preferably within the automotive or a related complex manufacturing industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying and optimizing Product Development Systems, methodologies, and quality control frameworks.
• 3+ years of experience leading and mentoring engineering teams
• Proficiency with core Ford engineering tools including FEDEBOM, WERS, Team Center, Bill of Material, AIMS, 8Ds, Engineering Sign Off, DFMEA, and Six Sigma principles.
• Proven ability to make sound technical decisions, balancing engineering best practices with manufacturing feasibility and business objectives.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of independently driving complex engineering tasks to completion.
• Proven leadership abilities, aligning with Ford Motor Company's OS Behaviors.

Nice To Haves

• Possess the discernment to make critical decisions and the accountability to manage their outcomes, guiding product development with precision.
• Deep enthusiasm for and comprehensive knowledge of vehicle accessories and aftermarket product segments.
• Proficient in Ford's Global Product Development System (GPDS) and Ford Customization's Vehicle Personalization Product Development System (VPPDS) processes and deliverables.
• Navigate complex organizational landscapes, demonstrating the ability to independently drive initiatives while fostering essential cross-functional collaboration.
• Exhibit strong interpersonal skills and unwavering integrity in all professional interactions.
• Skillfully manage stakeholder relationships to align with and advance the strategic goals of the Ford+ plan.
• Drive optimal performance and innovation from vendors and suppliers through strategic management and partnership development.
• Champion a culture of high-performance teamwork and collaborative leadership, driving collective success and individual growth.
• Possess strong communication and presentation skills, enabling effective interaction with diverse leadership levels across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Direct the full lifecycle of Ford Customization Accessories and packages , from conceptual design through robust product release, ensuring alignment with brand standards and market demands.
• Drive the successful achievement of all engineering milestones across active accessory projects, implementing rigorous engineering practices and disciplined execution to ensure quality and timely delivery.
• Uphold stringent compliance with all relevant Regulatory Vehicle Safety Standards and applicable internal requirements for every accessory project, mitigating risks and ensuring product integrity.
• Oversee the development, maintenance, and enforcement of comprehensive accessory design standards, engineering requirements, and foundational technical documentation to guide product development.
• Lead the analysis and validation of critical vehicle integration parameters (e.g., compatibility, attribute performance, and mass management) for all accessory program content, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
• Guide and empower the engineering team to consistently achieve program timelines and key deliverables, driving on-time project completion and contributing to overall business objectives.
• Exercise final technical authority and provide critical sign-off for all accessory program releases and engineering deviations, safeguarding product quality and adherence to specifications.
• Cultivate and strengthen strategic partnerships and cross-functional integration between Ford Customization teams and key external stakeholders (e.g., Product Development, Program Teams, Industrial Systems, and suppliers) to optimize collaboration and accelerate delivery.
• Champion and facilitate the global alignment and standardization of accessory product development processes, driving efficiency and best practices across international teams.
• Act as a catalyst for continuous improvement , proactively evaluating and optimizing product delivery processes to maintain relevance and efficiency within a dynamic and complex business landscape.
• Facilitate the resolution of complex engineering challenges and team issues through disciplined problem-solving methodologies, fostering team learning and driving sustainable solutions.
• Manage the governance and evolution of critical engineering foundational documents that underpin Failure Mode Avoidance processes, ensuring accuracy and design robustness.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing, diverse engineering team distributed across three countries, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous professional growth.
• Ensure clear, concise, and effective communication across all levels of management, with peers, and supporting personnel, fostering strong collaborative relationships and strategic stakeholder alignment.

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: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees