Systems Engineering Team Lead

Ford Motor Company

. Manage the SET zone for pickup-truck and SUV vehicle subsystems through Systems Design methodology .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeDearborn • Michigan • United StatesSenior💰 $115,500 - $218,100 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Systems Engineering and Design Thinking, with a strong focus on managing vehicle subsystems and optimizing designs for cost, weight, and quality. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive effective communication and collaboration across engineering and supplier relationships.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Systems EngineeringCAD in CATIA v.5 or 3DXProduct Engineering DesignLeadership SkillsProgram Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Systems Design MethodologyCost Process KnowledgeFunctional Led Cost/Appearance Delivery ProcessProduction Launch ExperienceBenchmarkingTechnical CapabilityProblem-Solving SkillsBill of Materials ManagementDesign & Release EngineeringVehicle Engineering

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsOrganizational SkillsDelegation SkillsRelationship BuildingCoaching Skills

Tools & Technologies

TeamcenterGlobal Product Development Systems

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in EngineeringMaster’s in Systems Engineering or Engineering

Industry Keywords

LiftgateTailgatesRear End TrimHardware LocksRear LightingRear FasciasBumpersCross-Functional CollaborationOnsite CollaborationSupplier Site Visits

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage the SET zone for pickup-truck and SUV vehicle subsystems through Systems Design methodology
Deliver cost and weight efficiencies, component part reductions, quality improvements, labor savings, and service efficiency
Develop and maintain relationships with Tier 1 suppliers and understand their technical capabilities
Lead data-driven trade-off discussions and co-lead content and attribute proposals with Program Chief Engineering and Vehicle Engineering
Lead SET zone target setting through benchmarking and Core Engineering opportunities/technology
Collaborate with team members and external partners on packaging, weight, cost, labor, timing, and systems integration
Lead Systems Technical Design and Compatibility Reviews to optimize designs, resolve issues, and deliver program milestones on time and on target
Drive adherence to Systems Engineering Operating Principles
Drive cross-functional issue resolution across program, finance, quality, manufacturing, suppliers, and other functions
Support escalation when needed
Collaborate on System Level Engineering Sign-Off and handover to Hardware Integration and Application Engineering teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in engineering required
5+ years of experience with liftgate/tailgates, rear end exterior/interior trim, hardware/locks/mechanisms, rear lighting, or rear fascias/bumpers
Capability to pull down CAD in CATIA v.5 or 3DX and create sections/take measurements
Knowledge of Systems Engineering Fundamentals and Design Thinking
Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, team-oriented environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent leadership skills with demonstrated ability to deliver results
Organizational and delegation skills with proper follow-up
Ability to manage multiple issues effectively and efficiently
Ability to prioritize workload
Ability to build effective relationships with cross-functional teams
Strong technical capability and problem-solving skills
Fluent in English speaking and writing
Onsite collaboration required at least 4 days per week
Willingness to travel on a limited basis for assembly plant line walks, supplier site visits, and benchmarking exercises
Design & Release Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Vehicle Engineering experience preferred
Master’s in Systems Engineering or Engineering preferred
10+ years’ experience in a product engineering design environment preferred
Demonstrated Production Launch experience preferred
Demonstrated program management experience preferred
Working knowledge of Cost Process and Functional Led Cost/Appearance Delivery Process preferred
Effective coaching skills preferred
Working knowledge of Global Product Development Systems processes preferred
Strong understanding of Teamcenter and Bill of Materials management preferred
CAD authoring capability in CATIA v.5 or 3DX preferred
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available

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