Fuel System Manager

Ford-Motor-Company; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Vehicle discount program

Parental leave

Job summary

Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI is seeking a visionary Manager for Fuel Systems to lead a global team of about 65 engineers within the Vehicle Hardware Engineering group. You will own the end-to-end lifecycle of fuel delivery and drive the system strategy across Ford’s global portfolio.

This leadership role emphasizes DFMEA, DV, PPAP, cost improvements, and executive communication, with occasional evenings or weekend work to meet milestones.

Qualifications

• Experience leading large engineering teams.
• Proven DFMEA, design verification and PPAP experience.
• Expertise in Six Sigma, 8D, or A4 methodologies.
• Ability to present complex engineering data to executives.
• Willingness to work evenings/weekends for milestones.

Responsibilities

• Lead global fuel systems engineering portfolio.
• Oversee end-to-end fuel delivery design, release, and testing.
• Drive cost improvements and quality initiatives across programs.
• Coordinate with supply base and vehicle teams worldwide.
• Ensure compliance with international regulations and DV/PPAP sign-offs.
• Act as technical authority in durability and recalls discussions.

Skills

Team leadership

DFMEA

DV/PPAP

Six Sigma

Executive comms

Sourcing management

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

PLM systems

Job description

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

At Ford Motor Company, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in vehicle performance, efficiency, and reliability. As we navigate the evolution of the automotive industry, the fuel storage and delivery system remains a critical pillar of vehicle architecture. From iconic internal combustion engines to advanced Hybrid applications and heavy-duty Diesel SCR systems, our Fuel System Design Department ensures that every Ford vehicle delivers on our promise of quality and durability.

We are looking for a visionary leader to steer this global organization, driving engineering excellence from the filler neck to the engine, and ensuring our legacy of innovation continues into the future.

In this position...

As the Manager for Fuel Systems, you will lead a world-class team of approximately 65 engineering professionals within the Vehicle Hardware Engineering group. You aren't just managing a department; you are the architect of the global fuel system strategy. You will oversee the end‑to‑end lifecycle of fuel delivery—encompassing design, release, and rigorous testing—across Ford’s entire global portfolio.

Your leadership will be the bridge between core engineering principles and real‑world vehicle performance, ensuring that every pump, line, and vapor management system meets the highest standards of excellence.

What you'll do...

• Inspire and manage a diverse department of 65+ engineers, taking full ownership of program delivery, quality initiatives, and strategic cost‑improvement actions.
• Oversee the development of DFMEA, advanced test methods, design rules, and global requirements that set the industry standard.
• Provide executive oversight for fuel system designs across all Ford vehicle programs globally, ensuring seamless integration and performance.
• Drive designs through rigorous Design Verification (DV) and PPAP sign‑offs, ensuring every component is compliant with international regulations and optimized for high‑volume production.
• Serve as the technical authority in high‑stakes durability and safety forums, leading critical discussions regarding potential recalls and long‑term failure modes.
• Act as the primary liaison between the Ford supply base and vehicle teams, managing sourcing actions, issue resolution, and cross‑functional synergy.

You’ll Have...

• Deep subject matter expertise in Ford’s D&R (Design & Release) and Core Engineering processes, specifically within Fuel Systems.
• History of building, mentoring, and scaling high‑performing engineering teams.
• Experience in Six Sigma, 8D, or A4 methodologies, with the ability to navigate complex technical challenges with precision.
• Ability to distill complex engineering data into compelling narratives for executive‑level presentations.
• Possess the 'mission-first' mindset required to guide your team through high‑priority, time‑sensitive situations—including evenings or weekends when critical milestones are on the line.
• Familiarity with Engineering Excellence and Tech Club processes, ensuring that Ford’s technical standards are never compromised.

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

• 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.

This position is a leadership level 4.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

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