Design Theme and Surface Development Supervisor – Exterior or Interior

Ford Motor Company

. Guide development of Class A surfaces, integrating Design intent with technical, feasibility, manufacturing, and program requirements .

Posted 11/6/2026full-timeDearborn • Michigan • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $115,000 - $192,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Class A surface development, integrating design intent with technical and manufacturing requirements while leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality surfaces on time. Proficient in CAD tools and surface feasibility processes, ensuring alignment with program direction and stakeholder expectations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Class A Surface DevelopmentCAD (Catia V5/3DX)Surface Feasibility ExperienceISD, ICEMSURF, or AliasData-Management Tools (TCe)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Class A Surface DevelopmentSurface Feasibility ExperienceCAD (Catia V5/3DX)ISDICEMSURFAliasData-Management Tools (TCe)Visualization Tools (VRED, Unreal)Surface Verification ProcessesAttention to Detail

Soft Skills

LeadershipCross-Functional CollaborationPresentation SkillsProblem-SolvingAttention to Detail

Tools & Technologies

CAD (Catia V5/3DX)ISDICEMSURFAliasTCeVREDUnreal

Industry Keywords

Automotive SurfacingDesign ProgressionStudio ProceduresFC ProcessSurface Development Reviews

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Unreal Engine

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Guide development of Class A surfaces, integrating Design intent with technical, feasibility, manufacturing, and program requirements
Lead Design Feasibility progression from early concepts through production surfaces
Resolve program, functional, manufacturing, and attribute trade-offs
Develop feasible surface proposals throughout theme and surface development
Deliver high-quality, feasible surfaces on time and to agreed requirements
Lead surface-development reviews within Design
Track issues and drive them to resolution
Reconcile conflicts between Design and hardpoints, documenting decisions, agreements, and next steps
Create surface proposals to align stakeholders around Design intent and program requirements
Partner with teams to identify practical win-win solutions aligned with Design vision, program direction, and engineering requirements
Compile, publish, and drive closure of surface and feasibility critique sheets
Lead studio property planning, content, development, setup, and assumption integrity
Ensure studio properties meet requirements for content, data pedigree, ride height, manikin drop, and overall suitability

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent experience
5+ years of automotive surfacing authoring or surface feasibility experience
2+ years of experience utilizing CAD (Catia V5/3DX)
Operational knowledge of surfacing tools such as ISD, ICEMSURF or Alias
Experience with data-management tools such as TCe
Experience with visualization tools such as VRED or Unreal
Strong understanding of studio procedures, Design progression, and the FC process
Demonstrated ability to lead and present in cross-functional forums
Strong understanding of Class A digital and physical surface verification processes
Strong attention to detail and disciplined process execution
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
Fertility treatments
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members
Management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
Generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Paid time off
Option to purchase additional vacation time