Global Senior Manager, Advanced Seats Engineering, Structures, Compliance

Ford Motor Company

. Lead, mentor, and develop a global team of engineers and managers across multiple disciplines, sites, and time zones .

Posted 10/21/2026full-timeDearborn • Michigan • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading and mentoring global engineering teams while driving innovation in seating systems and structural engineering. Proficient in managing complex projects, ensuring compliance with automotive regulations, and fostering a high-performance culture across diverse teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Global Team LeadershipAutomotive Regulatory ComplianceStructural Engineering PrinciplesSeating Systems ExpertiseProject Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Structural EngineeringSeating Systems EngineeringCAE/CAD ToolsIndustrialization ProcessesBudget ManagementTechnology RoadmapsAdvanced Materials KnowledgeLightweighting TechniquesFeasibility StudiesBenchmarking

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationStakeholder ManagementExecutive Presentation SkillsCollaborationMentoring

Certifications & Qualifications

Six SigmaPMP

Industry Keywords

Automotive IndustryHomologation RequirementsFMVSSECE StandardsGlobal Engineering Organization

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead, mentor, and develop a global team of engineers and managers across multiple disciplines, sites, and time zones
Build organizational capability by attracting, developing, and retaining top engineering talent
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture across globally distributed teams
Direct early-phase seating architecture strategy, concept development, and advanced technology roadmaps aligned with future vehicle programs
Partner with product planning, design, and innovation teams to identify and mature emerging seating technologies
Guide feasibility studies, benchmarking, and technology readiness assessments
Oversee structural design, engineering analysis, validation, and industrialization of seat systems from concept through ongoing product development
Drive continuous improvement in structural performance, weight optimization, cost, and quality
Guide seating development priorities to meet emerging homologation and third-party targets
Serve as the technical escalation point for compliance risks and work cross-functionally to resolve regulatory issues
Ensure lessons learned and best practices are fed into forward model development programs
Collaborate with Program Management, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supplier Technical Assistance teams to ensure integrated program delivery
Represent Seating Engineering in senior leadership reviews, program milestones, and executive-level technical discussions
Drive alignment of global engineering standards, processes, and best practices across regions

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field (required)
10+ years of progressive experience managing technical teams of increasing size and complexity
Strong automotive industry experience, with demonstrated expertise in seat systems, structures, or related vehicle component engineering
Proven experience leading global, cross-regional, and cross-cultural engineering teams
Solid understanding of automotive regulatory and homologation requirements (FMVSS, ECE, or equivalent global standards)
Strong knowledge of structural engineering principles, CAE/CAD tools, and industrialization/manufacturing processes
Excellent communication, executive presentation, and stakeholder management skills
Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, resources, and strategic technology roadmaps
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline (preferred)
Experience with advanced materials, lightweighting, or next-generation seating technologies
Six Sigma, PMP, or other relevant process/technical certifications
Experience working within a global engineering organization

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 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