Studio Theme Feasibility Design Engineer

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

19h • Hybrid

About The Position

At Ford Motor Company, this role is part of Ford Design and contributes to designing customer and societal needs into next-generation products, services, and experiences. The engineer works with cross-functional team members to help realize design visions, from developing initial engineering concepts and integrating engineering and manufacturing inputs into the A-surface to proposing alternatives that reconcile functional requirements with thematic intent and supporting physical model development.

The position leads studio property setup and integrity, design feasibility studies, and integration of thematic, vehicle architecture, functional, and attribute inputs into the A-surface while preserving its intended character. It also develops surface scaffold files for physical and digital model development, proposes concept alternatives, and manages data moving into, within, and out of the studio. The position is hybrid and requires onsite work four or more days per week. Salary grade 8, with a stated range of $99,100–$166,200; final salary depends on candidate skills and experience, job scope, responsibility, and market value. Visa sponsorship is not available, and candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

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 ensure 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, vehicle architecture (VA), functional, and attribute inputs while maintaining the surface’s emotive character and art.
• Guide initial theme setup and development through or ahead 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” 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 childcare.
• 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