Manager - Paint and Trim

August 17, 2026

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About the position

Join Ford Motor Company and contribute to shaping the future of automotive design and fabrication. As a manager in design fabrication, you will lead a cross-functional team of prototype technologists, trim developers, and vehicle paint technologists to create high-fidelity physical prototypes. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of automotive innovation, influencing the early-stage development of next-generation Ford vehicles, content, and experiences. The position requires a strong understanding of automotive systems, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage a complex team to deliver prototypes on time and with high quality.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of prototype technologists to deliver high fidelity physical prototypes on time and with quality, including Show / Concept / Pre-Production vehicles.
Oversee the development of interior and exterior systems (e.g., Lighting, Closures, Instrument Panels, Consoles, Seats) and components (e.g., Buttons, knobs, switches).
Manage interior and exterior clay modeling and color development for future model programs.
Lead trim development for future model programs.
Support the development of prototype build plans and organize workload and job assignments for subordinate personnel.
Recommend and implement training and development plans for subordinates, assisting leadership with personnel programs including performance reviews, salary planning, and employee counseling.
Facilitate senior stakeholder discussions and navigate ambiguous environments.
Hire, develop, and inspire the creative team, demonstrating strong people management and leadership skills.
Collaborate with design, engineering, and marketing to align on scope of work, build timing, and budget, managing team deliverables throughout the prototype build cycle.
Leverage knowledge of prototype technologies and build workflows to identify and implement process efficiencies.
Stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies to continuously improve prototypes.
Cultivate employee engagement and morale, embodying Ford's culture and values, and mentoring others through challenges.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in engineering, design, business or equivalent.
Ability to lead a team in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment.
5+ years of experience managing teams within design, engineering or manufacturing.
10+ years of experience working in automotive engineering and/or design with a strong understanding of vehicle level systems and subsystems.
10+ years of experience leading complex projects and project teams – leveraging program management tools as appropriate.
10+ years of experience leveraging prototype manufacturing techniques to build high fidelity prototypes such as additive manufacturing (3D Printing), milling, fiberglass layups, clay modeling, etc.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Nice-to-haves

Masters degree in engineering, design, business or equivalent.
Experience with trim development, paint development and application.
Experience with machine learning, artificial intelligence, or other advanced technologies.

Benefits

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 and more
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and 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 and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

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