Staff Exterior Lighting Systems Engineer

Ford Motor Company

. Develop state-of-the-art exterior lighting systems and products that meet studio aesthetic intent and global market regulatory requirements .

Posted 10/27/2026full-timeLong Beach • California • United StatesLead💰 $150,200 - $283,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and validating exterior lighting systems for automotive applications, ensuring compliance with global regulations and optimizing performance and cost. Proficient in utilizing CAD tools for design and collaboration across engineering disciplines.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Automotive Lighting Component EngineeringLighting Systems Design and DevelopmentCAD Proficiency (3DX, Catia)Knowledge of Homologation and Photometric RegulationsOptical System Development and Simulation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Exterior Lighting System DevelopmentLighting Technologies (LED, OLED, Matrix)Optical Simulation (SPEOS, Lucid Shape)Materials and Manufacturing ProcessesProduction Launch Experience

Tools & Technologies

3DXCatiaNXICEMSURFAlias

Industry Keywords

Automotive EngineeringGlobal Market Regulatory ComplianceHomologationPhotometric RegulationsEV Products

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop state-of-the-art exterior lighting systems and products that meet studio aesthetic intent and global market regulatory requirements
Engineer and execute exterior lighting from concept design feasibility through production launch
Guide cross-functional integration with studio, vehicle engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing, and software teams
Analyze, test, and validate lighting system prototype and production designs from mechanical, electrical, and optical perspectives
Participate in development with architecture, planning, supply chain, and suppliers to optimize form, function, performance, and cost
Define exterior lighting system requirements and specifications to achieve vehicle attribute targets for structure, mass, and performance
Design, develop, validate, and deliver exterior lighting systems for advanced EV products
Collaborate with studios, engineering teams, and suppliers on concept and feature development and production design
Optimize manufacturing processes and costs while meeting regional regulatory compliance and global market needs

Requirements

What you’ll need

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
4+ years of experience in automotive lighting component and system engineering (OEM or Tier 1 level)
4+ years of experience utilizing CAD (3DX, Catia, NX, ICEMSURF, or Alias) collaboratively; 3DX and CATIA preferred
4+ years of experience in lighting systems design, development, and release, completed for one or more production launch cycles
3+ years of experience in lighting systems design to global regulation requirements
Strong knowledge of homologation and photometric regulations (FMVSS 108, ECE R48, etc.) related to exterior lighting
Strong knowledge of optical system development processes and experience with optical simulation using SPEOS/Lucid Shape or equivalent
Successful execution of automotive lighting production programs; full LED lighting systems experience preferred
Excellent understanding of lighting technologies including lightguides, light blades, auto aiming, levelling, AFS, ADB, Laser, OLED, Matrix, and DMD
Strong understanding of materials and manufacturing processes including stamping, injection molding, casting, composites, etching, PVD, and other surface finishes
High level of expertise and proficiency with 3DX, Catia, or similar tools, including drawing and modelling practices and methodologies
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

Benefits

Comp & perks

Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
Paid parental leave
New parent ramp-up programs
Subsidized back-up child care
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 vacation time
Sick/personal time
Paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day
Visa sponsorship