Systems Engineering Team (SET) Lead

Ford Motor Company • Dearborn, MI

2h • $115,500 - $218,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Systems Engineering Team (SET) Lead manages a vehicle systems zone for pickup trucks and SUVs, using Systems Design methodology to deliver cost and weight efficiencies, component part reductions, quality improvements, labor savings, and service efficiency. The pickup truck zone includes the box structure, tailgate system, hardware/locks/mechanisms, box top moldings, exterior trim, exterior lighting, and electrical distribution system. The SUV zone includes the liftgate system, backlite, rear wiper/washer system, exterior trim, rear exterior lighting, hardware/locks/mechanisms, dynamic sealing, interior liftgate trim, electrical distribution system, and rear fascias.

The role sets targets through benchmarking and use of Core Engineering opportunities and technology; leads technical design and compatibility reviews; and drives timely, on-target program milestones. It collaborates with suppliers and cross-functional partners on packaging, weight, cost, labor, timing, integration, issue resolution, and system-level engineering sign-off. The position also champions data-driven trade-off discussions, supports content and attribute proposals, and promotes adherence to Systems Engineering Operating Principles.

This is a hybrid position requiring onsite work four or more days per week, with limited travel for assembly plant line walks, supplier visits, and benchmarking. Ford describes the role as leadership level 6, with a salary range of $115,500–$218,100. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• At least 5 years of experience with one or more of the following systems: liftgate/tailgates, rear-end exterior/interior trim, hardware/locks/mechanisms, rear lighting, or rear fascias/bumpers.
• Ability to retrieve CAD in CATIA v.5 or 3DX and create sections and take measurements.
• Knowledge of Systems Engineering fundamentals and Design Thinking.
• Critical thinking, courage, humility, decisiveness, flexibility, knowledge, vision, and communication capability.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, team-oriented environment and demonstrate initiative.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; communication should be open, clear, and inclusive.
• Strong leadership skills and demonstrated ability to deliver results.
• Organizational and delegation skills, with appropriate follow-up.
• Ability to manage multiple issues effectively and efficiently and prioritize workload across immediate and future needs.
• Ability to build effective relationships with cross-functional teams, including Program, Studio, Purchasing, Finance, and Engineering.
• Strong technical capability and problem-solving skills.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Availability for onsite collaboration at least four days per week.
• Willingness to travel on a limited basis for assembly plant line walks, supplier site visits, and benchmarking exercises.

Nice To Haves

• Design & Release Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Vehicle Engineering experience.
• Master’s degree in Systems Engineering or Engineering.
• At least 10 years of experience in a product engineering design environment.
• Production launch experience.
• Program management experience.
• Strong fundamentals and working knowledge of the Cost Process and Functional Led Cost/Appearance Delivery Process.
• Effective coaching skills.
• Strong fundamentals and working knowledge of Global Product Development Systems processes.
• Strong understanding of Teamcenter and Bill of Materials management.
• CAD authoring capability in CATIA v.5 or 3DX.

Responsibilities

• Manage the assigned SET vehicle zone using Systems Design methodology to identify and deliver cost and weight efficiencies, component part reductions, quality improvement, labor savings, and service efficiency.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Tier 1 suppliers and understand their technical capabilities.
• Champion data-based 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 extensive benchmarking and leverage Core Engineering opportunities and technology.
• Collaborate with team members and external partners on packaging, weight, cost, labor, timing, and integration for the assigned vehicle zone and content.
• Lead Systems Technical Design and Compatibility Reviews to optimize designs, resolve issues, and deliver program milestones on time and on target, often presenting to Ford leadership.
• Drive SET adherence to Systems Engineering Operating Principles.
• Drive cross-functional issue resolution with program, finance, quality, attribute, manufacturing, STA, studio, suppliers, and other groups; support escalation when needed.
• Collaborate with SET members and external partners to achieve System Level Engineering Sign-Off and hand over to Hardware Integration and Application Engineering teams.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up 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.
• Employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• 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: Senior