Ford Customization Engineering Manager

Ford•Allen Park, MI

15h

About The Position

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. Established and active employee resource groups

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.
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.

Responsibilities

Direct the full lifecycle of Ford Customization Accessories and packages.
Drive the successful achievement of all engineering milestones across active accessory projects.
Uphold stringent compliance with all relevant Regulatory Vehicle Safety Standards and applicable internal requirements.
Oversee the development, maintenance, and enforcement of comprehensive accessory design standards, engineering requirements, and foundational technical documentation.
Lead the analysis and validation of critical vehicle integration parameters.
Guide and empower the engineering team to consistently achieve program timelines and key deliverables.
Exercise final technical authority and provide critical sign-off for all accessory program releases and engineering deviations.
Cultivate and strengthen strategic partnerships and cross-functional integration between Ford Customization teams and key external stakeholders.
Champion and facilitate the global alignment and standardization of accessory product development processes.
Act as a catalyst for continuous improvement, proactively evaluating and optimizing product delivery processes.
Facilitate the resolution of complex engineering challenges and team issues through disciplined problem-solving methodologies.
Manage the governance and evolution of critical engineering foundational documents that underpin Failure Mode Avoidance processes.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing, diverse engineering team distributed across three countries.
Ensure clear, concise, and effective communication across all levels of management, with peers, and supporting personnel.