Feature Assurance Leader

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

In this position...

In this role you will be leading a global team of technical leaders responsible for ensuring that all features across all Ford and Lincoln programs launch with perfection. You will develop test plans, execute “negative” testing, influence other test execution and systems teams, and ultimately have final approval over the launch of feature content. Reporting to the Director of FAST (Feature Assurance and Systems Troubleshooting) you will also have full authority to set and drive team strategies and align to department goals.

What you'll do...

· Strategic leadership: Provide strategic direction and leadership to the Features Assurance Engineering team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Design and drive test strategies into cross-organizational teams. Design, develop, and execute new “negative” test plans across all features.

· Product ownership: Responsible for the launch of the global product portfolio of over 110 features, ensuring partner teams create robust architecture, design, DFMEAs, and requirements and integrating hardware and software solutions together to a product on a program. Accountable for chief-level feature sign-off for launch.

· Cross-functional collaboration: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (including product/program management, validation and verification, software, hardware, design, integration, quality, and architecture) to drive execution to program timelines.

· Triage and troubleshooting: Provide technical guidance and expertise in areas such as connectivity, body, chassis, powertrain, EV, and work with partners in infotainment, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Apply a cross-functional vehicle- and system-level mindset to understand and help troubleshoot end-to-end feature operation.

· Quality assurance & risk management: Drive warranty and other launch feedback into execution and partnered feature design teams. Ensure the highest standards of design excellence, quality, and reliability through evaluative testing and reviewing verification feature results. Identify and mitigate technical risks and challenges associated with features, proactively addressing issues to ensure successful delivery.

· Continuous improvement & communication: Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize feature development and deployment processes, tools, and methodologies, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. Communicate project status, risks, and opportunities to executive leadership and stakeholders, providing regular updates and insights.

You'll have...

· Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering or a related field.

· Experience: Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in system engineering, software development, or related technical roles within the automotive industry, demonstrating a deep understanding of software and hardware systems.

· Technical expertise: Proven expertise in defining, developing, and optimizing secure and safe feature systems for vehicles, including a comprehensive understanding of system architecture, integration, verification processes, and performance requirements specific to automotive applications.

· Communication & collaboration: Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively engage with cross-functional teams, external partners, and stakeholders to drive successful feature system development projects.

· Leadership: Proven leadership abilities, with a track record of mentoring and guiding technical teams, fostering innovation, and delivering high-quality feature systems that meet safety, security, and performance objectives.

Even better, you may have...

· Education: Master's degree in a technical or Management field.

· Experience:

· 10+ years of experience in automotive electrical systems.

· 5+ years in people management.

· Experience launching new vehicles with a track record of achieving plant quality targets.

· Ford-specific knowledge: Mastery of product development deliverables and Ford engineering tools

· (AVBOM / WERS / AIMS / 5Ds / eFDVS, Jama / Engineering Sign Off / DFMEA / Six Sigma/Confluence and Jira a