Director, Functional Safety Design

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?

Ford’s Systems and Core Architecture (SCA) team is charged with delivering the company’s vision of a high performing Engineering organization. SCA is customer-obsessed, data-driven and is dedicated to defect prevention, process and compliance. You’ll join a highly skilled and dedicated team of doers working collaboratively, staying focused on only what matters, and delivering Quality day in and day out. Join us to make positive change by helping build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.

We are seeking a Director of Functional Safety Design to lead the architecture and implementation of functional safety standards, processes, and technical expertise across our automotive engineering organization. This individual will be an influential leader, collaborating with cross-functional directors and executives to ensure that functional safety is seamlessly integrated into all aspects of product development, meeting both regulatory and company functional safety objectives.
 

You will…

• Define and implement functional safety architecture, in concert with the Office of Functional Safety strategy
   
• Act as a thought leader and key influencer in driving a safety-first culture across engineering disciplines.
   
• Partner with functional directors, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams to ensure functional safety is implemented for all systems and subsystems. 
   
• Oversee the functional safety architecture, and functional requirements for implementation by the system, subsystem, and component teams. 
   
• Work with component software teams and outside suppliers as necessary to further elicit requirements
   
• Develop and mentor a team of functional safety experts, fostering technical excellence and leadership within the organization.
   
• Drive process improvements that enhance engineering efficiency while maintaining the highest safety standards.
   
• Serve as the organization’s functional safety representative in the implementation of functional safety 
   
• Ensure that safety activities are well-documented and traceable to meet compliance and audit requirements.
   

You'll have…

• 12+ years of engineering experience in the automotive industry, with a strong focus on functional safety, systems engineering, or software engineering.
   
• Deep expertise in ISO 26262 Functional Safety, including safety analysis, safety case development, requirements and compliance strategies.
   
• Proven leadership experience in setting standards, defining processes, and driving organizational change.
   
• Strong ability to influence and collaborate with senior executives, directors, and engineering teams.
   
• Experience working with cross-functional teams to integrate safety into complex software and hardware systems.
   
• Exceptional communication and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate safety requirements into business objectives.
   
• Track record of successfully managing and growing a high-performing functional safety team.
   

You may also have…

• Experience with cybersecurity (ISO 21434), Swedish Standard (SS 7740), SOTIF (ISO 21448) and safety-critical embedded software development.
   
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and global automotive safety standards.
   
• Experience working with autonomous systems, electric vehicles, or advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

 

What you'll receive in return…

As part of the Ford family, you’ll enjoy excellent compensation, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous PTO, retirement, savings and stock investment plans, incentive compensation, and much more. You’ll also experience exciting opportunities for professional and personal growth and recognition.

Our benefits summary can be found Here.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a d