Global Material Engineering & Testing Standards Manager

Ford • Dearborn, MI

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more!

In this position...
Strategic Leadership & Operations: Lead a global team of approximately 75 employees and 11 managers, overseeing an $18M operating budget, facility operations (Central and Fastener Labs), and UAW labor relations, including contract negotiations.
Technical Attribute Ownership: Drive global material strategies and standards for total vehicle corrosion protection, sustainable materials, and fastener technology, ensuring full compliance with restricted substance management and recycled content goals.
Engineering Execution & Validation: Oversee the verification of environmental durability and material compatibility through CAE modeling and physical testing to support GPDS milestones, engineering drawing reviews, and global program sign-offs.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Act as a global Subject Matter Expert (SME) to resolve complex launch and field concerns through root cause analysis while leading the research and development of emerging material and corrosion technologies.
Technical Expertise: Provide expert root cause analysis and R&D for emerging material and durability technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Material Sciences, Materials Engineering, or related field of study
• 10-15+ years of professional experience in related field
• 5+ years of experience in Leadership roles
• Application experience and scientific understanding of materials used in automotive components
• Scientific and application knowledge of corrosion mechanisms and corrosion management strategies
• Experience with Quality Tools box (FMEA, DOE, 6-Sigma Tools)
• Experience with UAW contract implementation and UAW salaried employee management
• Availability 24x7 to support critical issue resolution
• Credible technical SME for global METS team
• Scope includes all NA powertrain and vehicle programs, cradle (Pre-PS) to grave, (warranty and end of life disposal).

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of assembly plant paint and sealing processes
• Understanding of BIW and closure construction
• Understanding of fastener joint development and tightening strategies
• Fundamental understanding of component and assembly manufacturing operations
• Fundamental understanding of automotive components, their interfaces, mechanical and environmental loads
• Experience with problem solving methodologies and test plan development
• Experience with laboratory management and analytical methods
• Working knowledge of GPDS, iPoint, FEDE, Materials Specifications, Design Rules, CETPs, and FLTMs

Responsibilities

• Lead global Attributes for Total Vehicle Corrosion Protection, including program sign-off; Restricted Substance Management, Sustainable Materials and Vehicle Recycled Content
• Verify environmental durability and compatibility, (heat, cold, UV, ozone, chemical, etc) for materials in intended applications
• Define and manage commodity and subsystem-based material strategies. Deliver associated material specifications, supplier qualifications and critical CAE modelling material property data.
• Review engineering drawings for material and process content.
• Own fastener creation process and global fastener standards
• Deliver high quality material, component and joint analyses and data to support GPDS milestone deliverables.
• Provide timely root cause analyses to expedite resolution of launch, manufacturing and field concerns
• Support characterization and development of new and emerging material, corrosion protection and fastener technologies
• Provide subject matter expertise and guidance to regional METS activities (EU, APA, FSAO)
• Manage facilities and operations, (Central Lab and Building 4 Fastener Lab)
• Manage $18M operating budget, (11) LL6’s and ~75 employees
• Lead Team #12 for Non-Product Capital Spending, approximately $1M annually
• Manage UAW salaried workforce; participate in UAW contract negotiations

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