Racing Body Exterior Design Lead

Ford-Motor-Company; Allen Park (MI); 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

Backup child care

Family building benefits

Job summary

Ford Racing seeks a Body Exterior Leader to drive cutting-edge exterior design and release, leading a team of engineers from pre-program through launch on Ford Racing programs. You will own foundational engineering decisions, mentor a growing team, and collaborate with design studios and CAE groups to deliver innovative exterior solutions.

The role requires 10+ years in body exterior design/release, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of stamping, panels, grilles, and BIW attributes.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Materials Science or Mechanical Engineering
• 10+ years as a Body Exterior Design & Release Engineer
• 6+ years specific to Body Exterior/Ornamentation (stamping, exterior panels, grilles)
• Experience across all program phases (Pre-Program through Launch), including one major (scale 4-6) program
• Working knowledge of Design, Analysis, Verification, Quality, Manufacturing, and Assembly methods, plus engineering tools (FEDE, CAE/CATIA, TCE, 3DX)
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and mentoring/coaching skills
• Self-starter able to work effectively with minimal oversight

Responsibilities

• Own development, sign-off, and maintenance of foundational Body Exterior engineering decisions
• Build, guide, and mentor a team of engineers/SMEs to drive speed and innovation
• Collaborate cross-functionally with design/studio teams to ideate new solutions
• Lead innovative design development using CAE tools and competitive benchmarking
• Partner with CAE teams to refine simulation and correlation methods
• Optimize designs through analytical/physical assessment, ensuring regulatory compliance
• Develop and implement novel construction techniques through to production feasibility
• Create design verification plans and test methods
• Liaise with Vehicle Architecture, Advanced Engineering, Manufacturing, and Suppliers
• Present concepts and program status to senior management
• Lead Body Exterior system integration and QCWFT program delivery
• Manage FSS and other resources to deliver programs
• Lead design of key systems (hood, fenders, bumper fascias, grilles, vents, splitters, spoilers, ducts, belly pan/diffusers)
• Ensure conformance to Ford Racing DNA and all regulatory requirements

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Self-starter

Education

B.S. in Materials Science or Mechanical Engineering

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (nice to have)

Tools

CAE tools

CATIA

3DX

TCE

Job description

Ford Racing seeks a Body Exterior Leader to drive cutting-edge exterior design and release, leading a team of engineers from pre-program through launch on Ford Racing programs. You will own foundational engineering decisions, mentor a growing team, and collaborate with design studios and CAE groups to deliver innovative exterior solutions.

The role requires 10+ years in body exterior design/release, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of stamping, panels, grilles, and BIW attributes.