Manager - Paint and Trim

Ford • Dearborn, MI

11d • $115,500 - $218,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

Join Ford Motor Company and contribute to shaping the future of automotive design and fabrication. As a manager in design fabrication, you will lead a cross-functional team of prototype technologists, trim developers, and vehicle paint technologists to create high-fidelity physical prototypes. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of automotive innovation, influencing the early-stage development of next-generation Ford vehicles, content, and experiences. The position requires a strong understanding of automotive systems, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage a complex team to deliver prototypes on time and with high quality.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in engineering, design, business or equivalent.
• Ability to lead a team in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment.
• 5+ years of experience managing teams within design, engineering or manufacturing.
• 10+ years of experience working in automotive engineering and/or design with a strong understanding of vehicle level systems and subsystems.
• 10+ years of experience leading complex projects and project teams – leveraging program management tools as appropriate.
• 10+ years of experience leveraging prototype manufacturing techniques to build high fidelity prototypes such as additive manufacturing (3D Printing), milling, fiberglass layups, clay modeling, etc.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Nice To Haves

• Masters degree in engineering, design, business or equivalent.
• Experience with trim development, paint development and application.
• Experience with machine learning, artificial intelligence, or other advanced technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of prototype technologists to deliver high fidelity physical prototypes on time and with quality, including Show / Concept / Pre-Production vehicles.
• Oversee the development of interior and exterior systems (e.g., Lighting, Closures, Instrument Panels, Consoles, Seats) and components (e.g., Buttons, knobs, switches).
• Manage interior and exterior clay modeling and color development for future model programs.
• Lead trim development for future model programs.
• Support the development of prototype build plans and organize workload and job assignments for subordinate personnel.
• Recommend and implement training and development plans for subordinates, assisting leadership with personnel programs including performance reviews, salary planning, and employee counseling.
• Facilitate senior stakeholder discussions and navigate ambiguous environments.
• Hire, develop, and inspire the creative team, demonstrating strong people management and leadership skills.
• Collaborate with design, engineering, and marketing to align on scope of work, build timing, and budget, managing team deliverables throughout the prototype build cycle.
• Leverage knowledge of prototype technologies and build workflows to identify and implement process efficiencies.
• Stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies to continuously improve prototypes.
• Cultivate employee engagement and morale, embodying Ford's culture and values, and mentoring others through challenges.

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