Lead, Systems Engineering – Drive Automotive Innovation

Ford; Dearborn, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 116,000 - 218,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Parental leave

Tuition assistance

Vehicle discount program

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI is seeking a leadership-level Systems Engineering Manager to own the SET zone design across liftgate and exterior systems, guiding cross-functional teams to deliver program milestones. You will build strong supplier relationships, run data-driven trade-offs, and align cost, weight, and quality goals with Program Chief Engineering and Vehicle Engineering.

This hybrid role requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, 4+ onsite days, fluent English, and readiness

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required.
• 5+ years of experience with liftgate / tailgates, rear end exterior / interior trim, hardware/locks/mechanisms, rear lighting, rear fascias / bumpers.
• Design & Release Engineering, Systems Engineering or Vehicle Engineering experience is preferred.
• Capability to pull down CAD in CATIA v.5 or 3DX and create sections / take measurements.
• Must have the knowledge of Systems Engineering Fundamental and Design Thinking
• Demonstrates critical thinking, courage, humility, decisiveness, flexibility, knowledge, vision, communications.
• Ability to work in dynamic, fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated ability to show initiative.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (open, clear, and inclusive)
• Excellent leadership skills with demonstrated ability to deliver results.
• Demonstrated organizational & delegation skills with proper follow-up.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple issues effectively and efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload managing immediate and future needs.
• Ability to build strong effective relationships with cross functional teams (Program, Studio, Purchasing, Finance, Engineering).
• Strong technical capability and problem-solving skills.
• Fluent in English Speaking and Writing.
• Onsite collaboration required for at least 4-days per week.
• Willingness to travel on limited basis for assembly plant line walks, supplier site visits, and benchmarking exercises.

Responsibilities

• Manage SET zone to identify cost/weight efficiencies and quality improvements.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Tier 1 suppliers.
• Champion trade-off discussions using data with Program Chief Engineering.
• Lead SET zone target setting through benchmarking.
• Collaborate on packaging, weight, cost, labor, timing, and integration.
• Lead Systems Technical Design and Compatibility Reviews to meet milestones.
• Drive SET Adherence to Systems Engineering Operating Principles.
• Drive cross-functional issue resolution and escalation support.
• Collaborate with SET members and partners for System Level Engineering Sign-Off.

Skills

Systems Engineering

CATIA CAD

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

English fluent

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s degree in Systems Engineering

Tools

CATIA v5

CATIA 3DX

Teamcenter

Job description

Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI is seeking a leadership-level Systems Engineering Manager to own the SET zone design across liftgate and exterior systems, guiding cross-functional teams to deliver program milestones. You will build strong supplier relationships, run data-driven trade-offs, and align cost, weight, and quality goals with Program Chief Engineering and Vehicle Engineering.

This hybrid role requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, 4+ onsite days, fluent English, and readiness