Lighting Engineer – Exterior Lighting

Ford Motor Company

. Perform systems engineering for exterior lighting .

Posted 9/23/2026full-timeDearborn • Michigan • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $74,300 - $166,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in exterior lighting engineering, including CAD design, DFMEA, and DVP&R processes, while effectively leading cross-functional teams and supplier collaborations to ensure compliance and successful product launches.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Exterior Lighting EngineeringCAD Design CapabilityDFMEA and DVP&R ExperienceCross-Functional Team LeadershipAutomotive Production Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mechanical EngineeringElectrical EngineeringOptical EngineeringDesign ReviewsRoot Cause AnalysisEngineering Change ManagementCost/Weight TradeoffsData-Driven Engineering JudgmentPrototype Build SupportProduct Validation

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationTechnical OwnershipTiming Discipline

Tools & Technologies

CATIATeamcenter/TCE3DXWERSFEDEBOM

Industry Keywords

Automotive LightingGlobal Lighting RegulationsDesign For Six SigmaISO StandardsPlastic Injection Molding

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

LAMP

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
Perform complex engineering evaluation analysis
Translate vehicle, regulatory, appearance, optical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and quality requirements into robust exterior lighting component designs
Develop preliminary CAD design proposals, package studies, section reviews, design-in-context assessments, and conceptual CAD models
Work cross-functionally to implement cost savings and product improvements and support prototype and production build activities
Lead supplier technical execution, including design reviews, CAD/data reviews, tooling readiness, issue resolution, cost/weight tradeoffs, and launch support
Balance cost, weight, complexity, and timing
Release exterior lighting systems, subsystems, components, and features to production
Drive validation readiness and evidence of compliance through DFMEA, DVP&R, inspection/testing review, functional assessments, and corrective action closure
Develop core requirements and technology
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
5+ years of professional automotive exterior lighting engineering experience, including direct responsibility for production-intent lamp systems, components, or features
Demonstrated CAD design capability for preliminary design work, package studies, and section development
Experience leading exterior lighting development across key program milestones
Experience with DFMEA, DVP&R, design reviews, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and engineering change management
Ability to lead suppliers and cross-functional teams with clear communication, technical ownership, and timing discipline
Ability to evaluate design tradeoffs and resolve technical issues using data-driven engineering judgment
Appropriate for an experienced-hire role with limited ramp-up time required
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Preferred: Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Optical, or Software Engineering
Preferred: Master’s Degree or other Advanced Degree
Preferred: Direct experience with the engineering design and release of exterior lighting components such as headlamps, rear lamps, CHMSL, light bars, reflectors, bezels, lenses, housings, electronics modules, or lamp-level wire harnesses
Preferred: Familiarity with Design For Six Sigma process
Preferred: Experience with DFMEA, GD&T, and ISO standards
Preferred: Experience with CATIA, Teamcenter/TCE, 3DX, WERS, FEDEBOM, or similar automotive CAD, release, and BOM management systems
Preferred: Knowledge of plastic materials, plastic injection molding, optics, basic electrical/electronic circuitry, software, lamp manufacturing processes, tooling, fixture design, and product validation
Preferred: Knowledge of exterior lighting performance attributes including photometry, lit appearance, condensation, thermal management, EMC, electronics/software interfaces, aiming, serviceability, craftsmanship, and perceived quality
Preferred: Knowledge of global lighting regulations
Preferred: Prior experience supporting prototype builds, plant launch, PPAP, safe launch, warranty/quality investigations, supplier corrective actions, or production change management
Preferred: Experience or industry network in automotive lighting suppliers, OEM lighting organizations, lighting-specific professional communities, or university programs

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
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