Exterior Lighting Engineer

Ford Motor Company

. Perform systems engineering for exterior lighting .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeDearborn • Michigan • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $65,100 - $166,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in CAD Design for exterior lighting systems, with a strong foundation in engineering principles and problem-solving. Capable of collaborating cross-functionally and supporting technical discussions to drive product improvements and validation readiness.

Highest-signal resume keywords

CAD Design SkillsAutomotive Product DevelopmentEngineering FundamentalsCross-Functional CollaborationStrong Communication

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Systems EngineeringTechnical Solutions GenerationData AnalysisDesign ReviewsDFMEADVP&RFunctional AssessmentsCost AnalysisProblem SolvingDocumentation

Soft Skills

Strong CommunicationOwnershipCuriosityWillingness to LearnSelf-Starter

Industry Keywords

Exterior LightingAutomotive EngineeringPrototype DevelopmentSupplier Technical DiscussionsQuality RequirementsManufacturing ProcessesInspection/TestingLaunch ReadinessVehicle ProgramsCo-op/Internship Experience

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Perform systems engineering for exterior lighting
Generate and execute technical solutions for exterior lighting components supporting new vehicle programs
Support engineering evaluation, problem solving, and data analysis for exterior lighting components
Learn how vehicle, regulatory, appearance, optical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and quality requirements are translated into exterior lighting designs
Develop preliminary CAD design proposals, package studies, section reviews, and conceptual CAD models with guidance from experienced engineers
Work cross-functionally to implement cost savings and product improvements and support prototype and production build activities
Support supplier technical discussions, design reviews, CAD/data reviews, issue resolution, and launch readiness activities
Balance cost, weight, complexity, and timing attributes
Perform production release of exterior lighting systems, subsystems, components, and features
Support validation readiness through DFMEA, DVP&R, inspection/testing review, functional assessments, and corrective action tracking
Support core requirement and technology development
Communicate information to and from internal and external organizations
Lead meetings with suppliers, designers, engineers, manufacturing, and supplier quality teams
Travel as required, including internationally

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or related field
0–2 years of engineering experience, with interest in automotive product development
CAD design skills for preliminary design work, package studies, section development, or similar engineering design activities
Automotive background through a co-op, internship, Formula SAE, Baja SAE, senior design project, or other hands-on vehicle-related experience
Basic understanding of engineering design, testing, problem solving, and documentation
Ability to work with suppliers and cross-functional teams with coaching and guidance
Strong communication, ownership, curiosity, and willingness to learn in a fast-paced engineering environment
Self-starter who can work independently, seek guidance when needed, and follow through on assigned responsibilities
Ability to apply engineering fundamentals to design tradeoffs and technical issue resolution
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

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 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