Studio Theme Feasibility Design Engineer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

1d • $99,100 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Theme Development Engineer within Ford Design, you will work with team members to make design visions a reality. The role spans developing initial engineering concepts, guiding and integrating engineering and manufacturing inputs into the A-surface, proposing alternatives that reconcile functional requirements with thematic intent, and supporting the creation of physical models. The position is hybrid and requires onsite work four or more days per week.

The engineer leads studio property setup and integrity; completes design feasibility studies from FC0 to K6; integrates thematic, vehicle architecture, functional, and attribute inputs while preserving the surface’s emotive character; and develops and maintains surface scaffold files for physical and digital models. The role also provides concept alternatives, balances studio inputs, and manages data flowing into, within, and out of the studio.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or automotive equivalent.
• At least 3 years of proven experience in complete vehicle layout/package, including Body and Trim.
• Experience with CATIA V5 or 3DX.

Nice To Haves

• At least 5 years of proven experience in complete vehicle layout/package, including Body and Trim.
• Strong familiarity with legislative requirements affecting the Design Feasibility process.
• Demonstrated experience leading and presenting to decision-making forums.
• Demonstrated understanding of feasibility tools and design studio feasibility progressions.
• Strong understanding of production processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead studio property setup and integrity, including content, data pedigree, ride height, manikin drop, and overall suitability.
• Lead completion of studies within the Design Feasibility FC Process from FC0 to K6, including Design Development Checklists, Hardpoints Plan, and integration of aligned plans into the surface.
• Lead integration of A-surface with thematic, VA, functional, and attribute inputs while maintaining the emotive character and art in the surface.
• Guide initial theme setup and development through or in advance of functional, supplier, or attribute inputs.
• Develop and maintain Surface Scaffold files to enable physical and digital model development and theme overlay.
• Provide concept alternatives and provocations to reconcile thematic intent with functional and program assumptions.
• Lead optimization and balancing of inputs to the studio, including consideration of what might be possible to support the theme vision.
• Manage data within, into, and out of the studio.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized backup child care.
• 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.
• 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: Mid Level