Vehicle Accessory Product Development Manager

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? 

Ford’s Electric Vehicles, Digital and Design (EVDD) team is charged with delivering the company’s vision of a fully electric transportation future. EVDD is customer-obsessed, entrepreneurial, and data-driven and is dedicated to delivering industry-leading customer experience for electric vehicle buyers and owners. You’ll join an agile team of doers pioneering our EV future by working collaboratively, staying focused on only what matters, and delivering excellence day in and day out. Join us to make positive change by helping build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. 

The Vehicle Accessory Product Development Manager will be leading our dynamic team in designing, developing and delivering innovative accessory solutions. In this role, you will oversee the entire product lifecycle, from concept to production, ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of quality, functionality, and aesthetics. You will lead resource planning, development, validation planning and execution in production for a wide range of product. 

What you'll do…

• Lead and manage a team of engineers in the development of vehicle accessories at component level and system level
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including suppliers, design studio, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing, to ensure seamless product development and launch. 
• Define project scope, timelines, and budgets, ensuring on-time delivery and cost efficiency. 
• Own CAD and BOM for systems and components, deliver system and component design including surface development, structures, datum strategy, attachments, and GD&T
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify trends and opportunities for innovation. 
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and customer requirements. 
• Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team.

What you'll have…

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field or equivalent experience
• 8+ years of experience in product development, preferably in the OEM or vehicle accessory Tier 1 for exterior, interior accessory developments 
• 8+ years of experience utilizing CAD (3DX, Catia, NX, ICEMSURF, or Alias) collaboratively, 3DX and CATIA preferred 
• 5+ years of experience in exterior systems design, development, release for one of more exterior systems, including trims, glazing, wiper/washer, front end module, structures, etc. 
• 5+ years of experience in working on automotive Class A surface accessory, exterior or interior system feasibility assessment and development, vehicle layout/package
• Proof of record of development and launch experience for vehicle system and accessories, e.g. roof applications, bed applications, trailer hitch applications 

Even better, you'll have…

• Proven leadership experience with a track record of successfully managing complex projects. 
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. 
• Strong familiarity with legislative requirements affecting the design feasibility
• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals, with preferred to have experience designing mechanisms, electromechanical components
• Strong understanding of differences in design and engineering based on production volume and functional and cosmetic features
• Strong understanding of GD&T, craftsmanship and CMF and how design execution would be affected  
• Hands-on experience in building and launching automotive products

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 change maker, 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, and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care 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.

For a detailed look at our benefits, click here: https://corporate.ford.com/content/dam/corporate/us/en-us/documents/careers/2024-benefits-and-comp-GSR-sal-plan-2.pdf  

Visa sponsorship is 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 committed to a culturally diverse workforce. 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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