Class A - Surface Designer

Posted 10 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Dearborn, MI, USA
Hybrid
84K-162K Annually
Senior level
Automotive
The Role
Lead Class A surface development for vehicle programs, ensuring design intent, system compatibility, and data integrity. Manage surface progression, reviews, change control (SDMS/Teamcenter), mentor junior designers, and coordinate supplier and cross-system interfaces through program milestones.
Summary Generated by Built In

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?

Join us in shaping the future of Ford Motor Company, as part of a global organization with exceptional colleagues in world-class facilities. As part of Ford Design, you’ll be at the cutting edge of Ford’s most strategically critical work, designing people and society’s needs into the heart of our next generation of products, services, and experiences.

Surface Development Primary is the leader of surface quality and Class A surface on the program. As part of Ford Design, the primary integrates engineering requirements while maintaining the design vision.

Responsibilities

What you'll do...

  • Leads program surface progression of Design and surface expert evaluation, and critique sheet process

  • Leads cross-system surface execution to ensure full system surface compatibility

  • Confirms all program surface interfaces are "Designed-in-Context" to a coordinated data set including supplier data

  • Develops and maintains a coordinated Class A surface database (i.e. Reference Manager)

  • Ensures incorporation of appropriated technical, attribute and program requirements into surface whilst maintaining the design vision.

  • Drives resolution of surface data issues by leading power wall and digital reviews

  • Manages surface changes in SDMS (Surface Data Management system)

  • Maintain program product structure and part history in Teamcenter to accurately represent evolution of design and change control

  • Supports DTO Supervisor with workload distribution, and prioritization of assignments within Surfacing Team

  • Facilitate program surface progression through the K-Loops. Develop and assist (mentor) Class A Surface Designers in the delivery of feasible math surfaces aligned with program milestones requirements that delivers design intent

  • During the K-Loops, lead surface development pre-Discovery Complete and post-Discovery Complete lead the incorporation of technical requirements into the surface. On applicable programs, work with Production Studio post K6 to ensure Design vision is maintained through the surface verification process.

Qualifications

You'll have...

  • 7+ years of experience in Class A Surfacing (Exterior and Interior commodities, Total Vehicle System Compatibility). Demonstrates creative and artistic insight, and ensure progression of surface data consistent with Design Language
  • Strong technical skills in Class A Surfacing Tools, Data Management and Visualization Tools (e.g. ICEM Surf, CATIA ISD, Alias, Team Center, Reference Manager)
  • High School/GED required

 

Even better, you may have...

  • Associates degree or equivalent. Bachelor’s Degree preferred

  • Strong understanding of Design Development and Feasibility Process, and how they drive the design process through the FC / UPVX / FAA GPDS milestones

  • Understanding of the Craftsmanship, DPA Process and System Compatibility.

  • Proven ability to evaluate design alternatives and provide a recommendation

  • Demonstrate interpersonal skills including ability to plan and organize work utilizing departmental project management tools (e.g. Surface Tracker, Surface Change Request System, etc.). Able to develop and track a plan to deliver geometry through the GPDS milestones

  • Good communication skills, collaborative behavior for daily interaction with Design Studio, Engineering, Manufacturing and other affected activities

  • Knowledge of Microsoft suite (Power Point and Excel)

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

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 salary grade 7-8 and ranges from $84,480-141,360., This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $96,720-162,120.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR

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.

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid

#DesignTeam  #LI-SC3

Skills Required

  • 7+ years of experience in Class A Surfacing (exterior and interior, total vehicle system compatibility).
  • Strong technical skills in Class A surfacing tools, data management and visualization (e.g., ICEM Surf, CATIA ISD, Alias, Teamcenter, Reference Manager).
  • High School diploma or GED.
  • Associates degree or equivalent (Bachelor's degree preferred).
  • Strong understanding of design development and feasibility process through FC / UPVX / FAA GPDS milestones.
  • Understanding of Craftsmanship, DPA Process and system compatibility.
  • Proven ability to evaluate design alternatives and recommend solutions.
  • Interpersonal and project planning skills; experience with departmental project management tools (e.g., Surface Tracker, Surface Change Request System).
  • Good communication and collaborative skills for interaction with Design Studio, Engineering, and Manufacturing.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office (PowerPoint and Excel).

Ford Motor Company Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Ford Motor Company and has not been reviewed or approved by Ford Motor Company.

  • Pay Growth & Progression The 2023 UAW–Ford agreement delivered immediate raises, restored cost-of-living adjustments, and accelerated progression to top rates for many hourly roles. These changes improved earnings trajectories compared with pre-2023 levels.
  • Healthcare Strength Hourly employees retained very low employee cost-sharing under the 2023–2028 UAW–Ford agreement, and salaried materials describe comprehensive day‑one medical, dental, and prescription coverage. Mental-health support and family‑building benefits add depth to the overall health package.
  • Retirement Support U.S. salaried roles feature a notable 401(k) contribution and match structure, and post‑2023 updates increased retirement contributions for many UAW‑represented employees. Together these elements strengthen long‑term financial security.

Ford Motor Company Insights

Am I A Good Fit?
beta
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.

The Company
HQ: Dearborn, MI
175,633 Employees
Year Founded: 1903

What We Do

Ford is a global company with shared ideals and a deep sense of family. From our earliest days as a pioneer of modern transportation, we have sought to make the world a better place – one that benefits lives, communities and the planet. We are here to provide the means for every person to move and pursue their dreams, serving as a bridge between personal freedom and the future of mobility. In that pursuit, our 186,000 employees around the world help to set the pace of innovation every day.

Similar Jobs

BAE Systems, Inc. Logo BAE Systems, Inc.

Team Lead

Aerospace • Hardware • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Hybrid
Sterling Heights, MI, USA
40000 Employees
133K-226K Annually

Cloudflare Logo Cloudflare

Senior Customer Engineer - Nashville

Cloud • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
Remote or Hybrid
United States
4400 Employees

Samsara Logo Samsara

Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Computer Vision • Hardware • Internet of Things • Software
Easy Apply
Remote or Hybrid
United States
4000 Employees
131K-176K Annually

Zeta Global Logo Zeta Global

Senior Product Manager

AdTech • Artificial Intelligence • Marketing Tech • Software • Analytics
Easy Apply
Remote or Hybrid
United States
2429 Employees
170K-190K Annually

Similar Companies Hiring

Cox Enterprises Thumbnail
Artificial Intelligence • Automotive • Greentech • Information Technology • Machine Learning • Software • Cybersecurity
Atlanta, GA
50000 Employees
UL Solutions Thumbnail
Automotive • Professional Services • Software • Consulting • Energy • Chemical • Renewable Energy
Chicago, IL
15000 Employees
HERE Technologies Thumbnail
Artificial Intelligence • Automotive • Computer Vision • Information Technology • Internet of Things • Logistics • Software
Amsterdam, NL
6000 Employees

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account