UEV Prototype Planning Supervisor

Ford • Long Beach, CA

1d • $115,500 - $239,900 • Hybrid

About The Position

Ford Motor Company is seeking a prototype build leader to orchestrate prototype build activities from early concept prototypes through Design Confirmation Vehicles. Working with teams in California and Dearborn, this role manages engineering planning and execution for build events, ensuring the right parts are available at the right time. The position also manages physical build events so physical test plans can be executed on schedule and with quality, while actively managing builds and issues.

The role leads prototype build execution for an all-new electric vehicle program, particularly verification builds ahead of plant implementation. It coordinates engineers across vehicle functions and partners closely with Engineering, Design, and Manufacturing teams to align build timing, technical readiness, and deliverables. The supervisor owns build schedules, tracks program budget and cost performance, manages supplier part delivery and build execution, supports resolution of vehicle incompatibilities, and presents program status, risks, and milestone readiness to leadership.

This is a hybrid position requiring onsite work four or more days per week. The position is leadership level 6, with a salary range of $115,500–$239,900 depending on location, skills, experience, scope, responsibility, and market value. Visa sponsorship is not available; candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or an equivalent technical field is strongly preferred; candidates with a strong program or technical program management background without a technical degree will also be considered.
• At least 5 years of experience in automotive or related program/product delivery roles.
• Practical mechanical vehicle knowledge, fabrication experience, and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work autonomously to resolve issues and deliver on-time milestones.
• Demonstrated experience owning program schedules or timing and driving cross-functional teams to on-time milestones.
• Launch experience delivering prototype vehicle builds through plant implementation.
• Experience with budget tracking and cost management on complex programs.
• Strong understanding of the prototype vehicle build process, including verification and validation build phases.
• Experience presenting program status and risks to senior leadership.
• Understanding of engineering fundamentals and ability to interpret vehicle systems and manufacturing processes.
• Strong proficiency in Atlassian tools, including Confluence and JIRA.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and program dashboard/reporting tools.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Engineering or MBA.
• PMP certification or formal program/project management training.
• CAD proficiency with Catia or 3D Experience for assembly, part design, and 2D drawing reviews.
• Experience designing and releasing mechanical and electromechanical systems.
• Prior experience specifically on EV programs.
• Experience working effectively in high-pressure, fast-changing environments, adapting to shifting requirements and acting quickly and independently to resolve issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead prototype build execution for an all-new electric vehicle program, focusing on verification builds ahead of plant implementation.
• Coordinate engineers across vehicle functions, including body, chassis, electrical, interior, and powertrain, to align build timing, technical readiness, and deliverables.
• Own and manage build timing and schedules, using independent judgment to drive on-time build planning, prototyping milestones, and issue reporting.
• Track program budget and cost performance against targets, flag risks, and drive corrective actions.
• Manage supplier part delivery and timing, along with build execution of parts and physical properties.
• Support engineering and build teams in identifying and resolving geometrical and system-level incompatibilities using first-principles problem solving.
• Present program status, risks, and milestone readiness to leadership in program and gateway reviews.
• Manage physical build events to ensure physical test plans are executed on time and with quality.
• Partner with Engineering, Design, and Manufacturing teams on build execution.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, 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.
• 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: Manager