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Ford Motor Company · 1 day ago

Principal Design Quality Engineer - Vehicle Appearance & Harmony

Dearborn, MI

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

5+ years exp

Ford Motor Company is a global leader in automotive manufacturing, dedicated to building a better world through innovative design. The Principal Design Quality Engineer will ensure the visual integrity and appearance harmony of next-generation vehicles, leading assessments and collaborating across teams to uphold Ford's premium brand image.

AutomotiveAutonomous VehiclesManufacturingTransportation

No H1B

Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive visual assessments of interior and exterior components, spanning various materials and processes, to rigorously certify compliance with Ford's design intent and appearance standards

Orchestrate and lead Interior and Exterior Harmony Reviews (focusing on color, grain, and gloss) at production facilities, ensuring a cohesive and premium aesthetic across all vehicle lines

Drive the evaluation of production parts to Ford Standards for Color, Grain, Gloss, and overall quality appearance, identifying and resolving deviations proactively

Serve as a primary expert in manufacturing and tooling processes, leveraging this knowledge to proactively influence product and process changes that ensure adherence to Ford's demanding appearance standards

Champion the continuous improvement of appearance quality processes, identifying inefficiencies and driving transformative changes to enhance our methodologies and outcomes

Document and manage the program status of Appearance Approval Reports (AARs) and Vehicle Harmony, providing clear, concise, and actionable insights to program and supplier teams

Act as a central coordinator and consultant, collaborating extensively with cross-functional teams including Design, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality departments to resolve complex appearance-related challenges

Lead root cause analysis for appearance issues, implementing robust corrective actions and preventative measures throughout the product lifecycle

Utilize advanced CAD software (e.g., 3Dx, CATIA) to perform digital assessments and simulations of appearance quality, enabling proactive identification and resolution of potential issues ahead of physical production

Maintain a deep understanding of materials science, paint, and manufacturing processes, and their impact on aesthetic attributes

Qualification

Appearance quality expertiseMaterials science knowledgeCAD software proficiencyColor vision acuityAnalytical skillsProblem-solving skillsCommunication skillsLeadership skills

Required

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field such as Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Design, or a closely related discipline. Equivalent demonstrated experience in the areas of automotive appearance quality will also be considered

A minimum of 5+ years of experience in appearance quality, with a strong focus on color, grain, gloss, and overall vehicle harmony conformance

Demonstrated ability to consistently pass a color vision test, indicating superior visual acuity for discerning subtle differences in color and finish

In-depth knowledge of automotive materials, paints, and manufacturing processes, and their direct influence on aesthetic attributes

Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., 3Dx, CATIA) for digital appearance assessments and analysis

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of identifying and resolving complex appearance quality issues

Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex appearance quality concepts and findings effectively to diverse audiences, including senior leadership and technical teams

Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders, and drive consensus towards optimal appearance quality solutions