SET Leader

Job ID: 69716
Location: Dearborn, Michigan
Category: PD Operations and Quality

Apply Now

At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move.

Job Type: Full time
Work Type: Hybrid

Apply Now

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

At Ford, the Vehicle Hardware Engineering teams are using Design Thinking & User Experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that will delight our customers. Our employees are laser-focused on bringing innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. From autonomy and electrification to smart mobility technologies, our teams around the world are working together with excitement to make smart vehicles for a smart world.

This role will be at the helm of leading product development engineering of new vehicle lines. There are multiple engineers reporting directly to this position with primary focus to enable full systems integration, resulting in minimized part counts, complexity, labor hours, and service time. In this role, we will look for you to focus teams on Engineering First Principles to re-think Product Development, breaking from the traditional designs of the past. You will be tasked with delivering breakthrough efficiencies and full lifecycle cost improvements. You will work with teams across Ford and serve as the Engineering leader of the designated SET zone to setup multiple new vehicle programs prior to hand-off to Vehicle Hardware Integration and Application Engineering teams.

In this position...

The SET zone for this role consists of the following sub-systems of the vehicle:

Pick-up trucks – box structure, tailgate system, hardware/locks/mechanisms, box top moldings, exterior trim, exterior lighting, electrical distribution system.
SUV’s – liftgate system, backlite, rear wiper / washer system, exterior trim, rear exterior lighting, hardware/locks/mechanisms, dynamic sealing, interior liftgate trim, electrical distribution system, rear fascias.
Manage SET zone, through Systems Design methodology, to identify and deliver cost / weight efficiencies, component part reductions, quality improvement, labor savings, and service efficiency.
Develop and maintain relationships with Tier 1 suppliers and understand their technical capabilities.
Champion trade-off discussions using data to balance targets for assigned SET zone and co-lead content and attribute proposals with Program Chief Engineering and Vehicle Engineering.
Lead SET zone target setting, through extensive benchmarking and leverage Core Engineering team opportunities / technology.

What you'll do...

Collaborate with team members and external partners on packaging, weight, cost, labor, timing, and integration from a systems perspective according to assigned vehicle zone and content.
Lead Systems Technical Design and Compatibility Reviews to optimize designs, resolve issues, and deliver all Program Milestones on-time / on-target. Often leading review with Ford leadership.
Drive SET Adherence to Systems Engineering Operating Principles.
Drive cross-functional issue resolution (including program, finance, quality, attribute, manufacturing, STA, studio, suppliers, etc.). Support escalation when needed.
Collaborate with SET members and external partners for System Level Engineering Sign-Off and handover to Hardware Integration and Application Engineering teams.

You'll have...

Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.
5+ years of experience with one or more of the following systems: 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.

Even better, you may have...

Master’s in Systems Engineering or Engineering preferred.
10+ years’ experience in product engineering design environment.
Demonstrated Production Launch experience.
Demonstrated experience with program management.
Strong fundamentals and working knowledge of the Cost Process and Functional Led Cost/Appearance Delivery Process.
Effective coaching skills.
Strong fundamentals and working knowledge of Global Product Development Systems processes.
Strong understanding of Teamcenter, Bill of Materials management.
CAD authoring capability in CATIA v.5 or 3DX.

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.

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/LL6

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 with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid

#VehicleHardwareEngineering #LI-CW1

Apply Now

Looking for jobs tailored to you?

Upload Your Resume

Change the world with your ideas.

Speak up. We’re listening. At Ford, we believe the right ideas, and the people behind them, can move an entire industry. Here, you'll work with teams who value your voice, push bold ideas forward, and leave a mark that lasts.

An office lobby with people in various activities.

Support designed to go the distance.

From day one, Ford invests in you with medical benefits built to help you plan for what’s next. You’ll also get support for you and your family that meets you at every step, so you can move forward with confidence.

Health and Wellness

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, mental health, and unique wellness perks keep you and your family supported every step of the way.
Financial and Retirement Programs

Build a strong financial future with robust retirement contributions, savings programs, and free personalized financial planning tools.
Flexible Vacation and Holidays

Enjoy your time away from work with generous vacation, holidays, and flexible family leave designed to help you balance life and work with ease.
Vehicle Discount Program

The best thing about building great products is driving them! The second-best thing: sharing your discount with family and friends so they can drive them, too.
Family Growth and Support

Grow your family confidently with fertility, surrogacy, and adoption assistance, paid parental leave, and a supportive new-parent ramp-up program.
Additional Programs

Enjoy unexpected extras like pet insurance, legal services, identity protection, and access to convenient health and wellness services.

Ford gives me the space to innovate, to lead, and to serve — all while staying true to who I am as an engineer, educator, and parent. It’s not just a career; it’s a community that drives change.

Jobs For You.

Explore roles tailored to your interests, based on your preferences and experience.

Strategic Sourcing Buyer – Vehicle Electronic Controls
- Naucalpan de Juárez, Mexico
Senior Strategic Buyer – Automotive Low Voltage Batteries & Electronics (BMS)
- Naucalpan de Juárez, Mexico
Product Development Engineer-3DX Development & Deployment Specialist
- Dearborn, Michigan
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Development & Deployment Specialist
- Dearborn, Michigan

More Jobs

Be the first to know about new jobs.

SIGN UP FOR JOB ALERTS

Keep up on all the latest opportunities at Ford.

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Phone Number

Interested InSelect a job category from the list of options. Search for a location and select one from the list of suggestions. Finally, click “Add” to create your job alert.

Job Category

Location

PD Operations and Quality, Dearborn, Michigan, United StatesRemove
Remove

By submitting your information, you acknowledge that you have read our privacy policy and consent to receive email communication from Ford.

Looking for jobs tailored to you?

Upload Your Resume

SET Leader

Overview

Share this job

Looking for jobs tailored to you?

Change the world with your ideas.

Support designed to go the distance.

Health and Wellness

Financial and Retirement Programs

Flexible Vacation and Holidays

Vehicle Discount Program

Family Growth and Support

Additional Programs

Testimonial

Related Content

Jobs For You.

Be the first to know about new jobs.

SIGN UP FOR JOB ALERTS

Looking for jobs tailored to you?