Racing Body Exterior Lead Engineer

Socket.dev; Allen Park (MI); On-site; USD 116,000 - 218,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Vehicle discount program

Tuition assistance

Paid time off & holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

Ford Motor Company seeks a seasoned Body Exterior Leader to drive design and release of exterior systems, including hoods, grilles, and fascias. You will lead a team of engineers, set technical direction, and ensure regulatory and quality compliance across programs.

Candidates should have 10+ years in Body Exterior design, strong leadership and mentoring skills, and experience across Pre-Program to Launch, including major programs. This hybrid role offers substantial growth and impact.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent).
• 10+ years as a Body Exterior Design & Release Engineer with 6+ years in Body Exterior/Ornamentation (stamping, exterior panels, grilles, etc.).
• Experience across all program phases (Pre-Program through Launch) including one major program (scale 4-6).
• 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

Mentoring

Self-starter

Team leadership

Education

B.S. in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field

Tools

FEDE

CAE/CATIA

TCE

3DX

Job description

Ford Motor Company seeks a seasoned Body Exterior Leader to drive design and release of exterior systems, including hoods, grilles, and fascias. You will lead a team of engineers, set technical direction, and ensure regulatory and quality compliance across programs.

Candidates should have 10+ years in Body Exterior design, strong leadership and mentoring skills, and experience across Pre-Program to Launch, including major programs. This hybrid role offers substantial growth and impact.