Technical Expert - GD&T

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters. Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more! In this position... We are seeking a highly skilled and visionary GD&T Technical Specialist to join our engineering organization during a period of significant transformation. This pivotal role involves serving as the organization's primary subject matter expert for Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles, as defined by ASME Y14.5, and will incorporate Digital Product Definition Data Practices as defined by ASME Y14.41. The successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring the correct interpretation, application, and implementation of GD&T across our product development lifecycle, from design to manufacturing and inspection. This role demands not only profound technical mastery but also significant leadership, instructional, and governance experience. You will be instrumental in moving the organization away from traditional, manual processes toward modern engineering approaches, including the integration of Generative Design. We are looking for a leader who can bridge the gap between rigorous dimensional standards and the agile, AI-driven design workflows of the future.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, a related technical field or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• 6+ years of extensive experience working directly with GD&T in a manufacturing, quality, or design environment.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software for design and analysis.
• Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC) and measurement system analysis (MSA).
• Experience with Model-Based Definition (MBD) and Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) (GD&T).
• Prior experience in a global role with responsibility for standards deployment and training across multiple regions.
• ASME GDTP (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Professional) Certification.
• Profound understanding and demonstrated ability to apply all aspects of ASME Y14.5 (or ISO equivalent) standards.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and create complex engineering drawings and 3D CAD models.
• In-depth knowledge of various measurement techniques and equipment (e.g., CMM, vision systems, optical comparators, gauges) and their direct relation to GD&T principles.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively articulate complex GD&T concepts to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency in interpreting and creating inspection reports based on GD&T callouts and principles.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in the automotive industry.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary subject matter expert for GD&T within the organization, providing authoritative guidance and support to design, manufacturing, quality, and Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) teams.
• Advance traceability initiatives, ensuring that GD&T data and critical characteristics are digitally captured at inception to provide a seamless, traceable data thread through manufacturing and the vehicle’s entire lifecycle.
• Guide the implementation of Generative Design outputs into standard GD&T schemes, ensuring that complex, optimized geometries remain manufacturable and inspectable.
• Interpret and analyze complex engineering drawings, 3D models, and specifications to ensure accurate application and understanding of GD&T callouts and their functional implications.
• Develop, customize, and deliver comprehensive GD&T training programs for various internal teams (engineers, STA, manufacturing, etc.) to elevate organizational capability and ensure consistent application of standards.
• Provide global support to suppliers, assisting with GD&T interpretation and implementation, and resolving complex dimensional challenges.
• Review and approve GD&T schemes on new product designs and existing components, ensuring optimal manufacturability, and functional performance.
• Collaborate proactively with design engineers to optimize GD&T application, reducing ambiguity, improving product quality, and enhancing cost-effectiveness.
• Lead and participate in root cause analysis for dimensional non-conformances, leveraging expert GD&T insights to identify and implement robust solutions.
• Assist in the development of robust measurement strategies, fixture designs, and inspection plans based on GD&T requirements.
• Stay abreast of the latest revisions of ASME Y14.5 and other relevant industry standards, integrating best practices into company processes.
• Lead the Ford Engineering CAD and Drafting Standards (FECDS) committee responsible for oversight and development of methods to support ASME Y14.5 global standards.
• Chair the global GD&T Technical Committee, guiding discussions to ensure consistent and accurate GD&T application globally across all product lines.
• Develop, lead, and conduct advanced GD&T training programs for internal teams including certifying instructors as well as providing critical feedback and guidance to new GD&T trainers.

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: Senior