Forward Model Quality Chief – Underbody Systems Engineering

Ford Motor Company

. Set the multi-year forward-model quality strategy and roadmap aligned with Global Product Development, Quality and enterprise priorities .

Posted 10/29/2026full-timeDearborn • Michigan • United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in setting quality strategies and leading global engineering teams, with a strong focus on automotive product development, reliability, and compliance. Proficient in utilizing data-driven approaches and advanced technologies to enhance quality processes and organizational capabilities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Automotive Product DevelopmentDFMEA Standards ApplicationQuality Risk ManagementExecutive-Level CommunicationGlobal Engineering Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Quality Strategy DevelopmentReliability PlanningStructured Problem SolvingCompliance AuditsData-Driven Quality ManagementProcess RedesignRisk-Based AuditsMilestone RequirementsAI Tools AdoptionComplex Systems Integration

Soft Skills

Leadership DevelopmentInfluencing SkillsAnalytical SkillsCoaching AbilitiesCross-Functional Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

Digital Quality Management SystemsExecutive DashboardsAnalytics ToolsNHTSA Compliance Tools

Industry Keywords

Automotive EngineeringQuality AssuranceDesign AssuranceRegulatory ComplianceVehicle Certification

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Set the multi-year forward-model quality strategy and roadmap aligned with Global Product Development, Quality and enterprise priorities
Lead a global organization of GSR and LL6 engineers, including structure, resourcing, objectives and performance expectations
Lead talent reviews and succession planning, coach leaders, and build a diverse leadership pipeline
Lead the shift from reactive to predictive, data-driven quality
Define operating models, standard work, governance routines, digital and AI-enabled quality strategy, metrics and management systems
Sponsor process redesign and enterprise improvements
Own PAC governance and the quality escalation framework across forward-model programs
Anticipate and escalate strategic product and process risks to executive leadership
Sponsor cross-functional resolution of high-impact issues and ensure corrective actions are systemic and sustained
Report quality performance, trends and strategic risks to executives
Set reliability and robustness strategy through Program Quality Roadmaps
Own enterprise standards for DFMEA, reliability confirmation and the Robustness and Reliability Checklist
Use field, warranty, teardown and test data to prioritize reliability investments and set B10 improvement strategies
Direct the high-mileage teardown program
Assess program quality readiness and milestone deliverables and advise on gateway declarations
Own and evolve the Forward Model Assessment process and risk-based audits
Influence program targets, roadmaps, hardware change levels and new-unit quality selection
Govern recovery of late or at-risk deliverables
Partner with Functional Directors and Chiefs on Engineering Excellence actions
Lead deployment of engineering standards and strategic quality-improvement projects
Capture and reuse lessons learned across programs and functions
Lead compliance planning, reporting and milestone readiness across vehicle programs
Resolve compliance gaps and lead internal compliance audits
Represent Ford in NHTSA vehicle assessments and other regulatory reviews as required

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
Significant automotive experience in engineering, product development, quality, reliability or design assurance, with increasing leadership responsibility
Experience leading and developing large technical teams or multiple levels of leaders
Experience setting strategy or leading transformation that improved quality, process or capability at organizational level
Strong knowledge of automotive product-development processes and milestone requirements
Experience applying and setting standards for DFMEA, reliability planning, Failure Mode Avoidance and structured problem solving
Experience managing quality risks, corrective actions, audits and compliance reviews with senior leaders
Ability to influence and align engineering, quality and program organizations at Director level and above
Strong analytical skills and excellent executive-level communication, turning complex technical information into clear recommendations
Ability to manage multiple priorities across complex global vehicle programs
Visa sponsorship is not available
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Advanced engineering degree or MBA (preferred)
Experience leading a global engineering or quality organization (preferred)
Experience with transmission, driveline, steering, brakes and tire systems (preferred)
Experience with vehicle regulatory compliance, certification or design-assurance processes (preferred)
Experience with advanced technologies or complex systems integration (preferred)
Experience leading adoption of AI tools, analytics and executive dashboards (preferred)

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 childcare
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and 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