SET Architecture Supervisor

Ford • Dearborn, MI

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The SET Architecture Supervisor leads product development engineering for new vehicle lines within a designated Systems Engineering Team (SET) zone. The role manages multiple engineers and uses systems design methodology and engineering first principles to drive full systems integration, reduce part counts and complexity, and improve labor and service efficiency. The position focuses on breakthrough efficiencies and lifecycle cost improvements, collaborating across Ford and preparing vehicle programs for handoff to Vehicle Hardware Integration and Application Engineering teams.

The assigned SET zone includes Cooling Systems, Climate Systems, Under-Hood Modules/Sensors, and Air Induction Systems. The supervisor works with internal teams, Tier 1 suppliers, and external partners to optimize cost, weight, quality, packaging, timing, and integration, and leads technical design and compatibility reviews and cross-functional issue resolution. The role is hybrid and requires onsite collaboration at least four days per week, with occasional travel for plant line walks, supplier visits, and benchmarking.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• At least five years of experience in one or more of the following systems: cooling systems, climate systems, under-hood modules and sensors, or air induction systems.
• Ability to retrieve and work with CAD models in CATIA V5 or 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX), including creating sections and taking measurements.
• Knowledge of Systems Engineering fundamentals and design thinking.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, courage, humility, decisiveness, flexibility, technical knowledge, vision, and strong communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated initiative and strong leadership, with a track record of delivering results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an open, clear, and inclusive approach.
• Strong organizational and delegation skills, including effective follow-up.
• Ability to manage multiple issues and prioritize competing demands while balancing immediate and future needs.
• Strong technical capabilities and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with cross-functional teams, including Program, Studio, Purchasing, Finance, and Engineering.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Availability for onsite collaboration at least four days per week.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for assembly plant line walks, supplier visits, and benchmarking activities.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Design and Release Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Vehicle Engineering.
• Master’s degree in Systems Engineering or another engineering discipline.
• At least 10 years of experience in a product engineering and design environment.
• Demonstrated experience supporting production launches and managing programs.
• Strong understanding of cost processes and the Functional-Led Cost and Appearance Delivery process.
• Effective coaching skills.
• Strong understanding of Global Product Development Systems processes.
• Strong knowledge of Teamcenter and Bill of Materials (BOM) management.
• Ability to create and modify CAD models using CATIA V5 or 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX).

Responsibilities

• Manage the SET zone using Systems Design methodology to identify and deliver cost and weight efficiencies, component part reductions, quality improvements, labor savings, and service efficiency.
• Identify optimization and part-reduction opportunities.
• Drive cost reduction, weight minimization, and quality improvements.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Tier 1 suppliers and understand their technical capabilities.
• Champion data-driven trade-off discussions to balance targets for the assigned SET zone and co-lead content and attribute proposals with Program Chief Engineering and Vehicle Engineering.
• Lead SET zone target setting through benchmarking and leverage opportunities and technology from Core Engineering teams.
• Collaborate with team members and external partners on packaging, weight, cost, labor, timing, and integration from a systems perspective.
• Lead Systems Technical Design and Compatibility Reviews to optimize designs, resolve issues, and deliver program milestones on time and on target, including reviews with Ford leadership.
• Drive adherence to Systems Engineering Operating Principles.
• Drive cross-functional issue resolution with program, finance, quality, attribute, manufacturing, STA, studio, suppliers, and other teams; support escalation when needed.
• Collaborate with SET members and external partners on System Level Engineering Sign-Off and handover to Hardware Integration and Application Engineering teams.
• Lead product development engineering of new vehicle lines and prepare programs for handoff to Vehicle Hardware Integration and Application Engineering teams.
• Champion trade-off decisions to balance within the VHE Function and coordinate with Core Teams on system optimization opportunities and change management.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care, and more.
• Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments.
• 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.
• Generous vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

What This Job Offers

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