Hardware Architecture Manager

Ford Motor Company

. Lead the global department defining early underbody architecture for suspension, steering, brakes, and wheels/tires .

Posted 11/7/2026full-timeDearborn • Michigan • United StatesSeniorLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive expertise in automotive chassis product development and systems engineering, with a strong focus on early-phase architecture and modular design. Proven ability to lead global teams, influence stakeholders, and manage complex trade-offs in vehicle architecture.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Automotive Chassis Product DevelopmentEarly-Phase ArchitectureCATIA/3DX ProficiencyLeadership in Global OrganizationsModular Architecture Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Chassis ArchitectureSystems EngineeringComponent FEAMBD/ADAMS Systems ModelingAI-Augmented EngineeringDesign Rules AdherenceBenchmarking CompetitorsBuild-to-Print StrategyAnalytical Capability DevelopmentTechnical Direction Setting

Soft Skills

Influencing Without AuthorityNegotiationTeam DevelopmentTransparency and AccountabilityRisk-Taking

Tools & Technologies

CATIA3DXFEA ToolsMBD ToolsAgentic AIGenerative AI

Certifications & Qualifications

B.S. in Mechanical EngineeringB.S. in Automotive EngineeringB.S. in Aerospace Engineering

Industry Keywords

Chassis SystemsUnderbody ArchitectureVehicle EngineeringGlobal Vehicle PlatformsGPDS Milestones

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the global department defining early underbody architecture for suspension, steering, brakes, and wheels/tires
Lead chassis architecture from program start through the early UNVx milestones of GPDS
Integrate chassis commodities with frames/subframes, body structure, driveline, and propulsion across global vehicle platforms
Own the multi-year underbody architecture roadmap, including common interfaces, scalable building blocks, and design rules
Translate vehicle strategy, cycle plans, and technology vectors into architecture decisions, investment priorities, and resource plans
Partner with Vehicle Architecture, Vehicle Engineering, Program Leadership, and Underbody Systems leadership
Negotiate trade-offs among cost, weight, timing, performance, and complexity
Serve as the Underbody Systems point of contact for Vehicle Planning and Programs on hardware definition, weight, investments, headcount, and GPDS milestone alignment
Lead architectural milestone reviews, health charts, design-rule adherence, and sourcing package definition
Benchmark competitors and bridge Research & Advanced Engineering to industrialization of chassis technology
Champion Engineer as Designer and strengthen CATIA/3DX, CAE, and ADAMS MBD proficiency
Implement an internal Build-to-Print strategy for key chassis commodities
Lead the shift to AI-augmented engineering
Grow analytical capability in early program phases
Lead and develop a global team of supervisors and product design engineers across US, European, and Australian PD centers
Deploy resources against shifting cycle plans and provide oversight to the broader global chassis organization
Build a culture of transparency, accountability, and sound risk-taking
Develop a succession pipeline of technical specialists and future engineering leaders

Requirements

What you’ll need

B.S. in Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering required
10+ years in automotive chassis product development and systems engineering, including early-phase architecture
Proven record of setting long-range technical direction, influencing senior leaders without direct authority, and aligning multiple teams on complex trade-offs
Deep chassis expertise
Working knowledge of modular architecture, CATIA/3DX, component FEA, and MBD/ADAMS systems modeling, Agentic & Generative AI
Experience leading and developing leaders in a global organization, with accountability for cost, timing, and talent
Candidates 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 childcare
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
A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Paid time off
Option to purchase additional vacation time