Director, Future Model Quality

We are seeking a Director of Future Model Quality to lead the strategic quality roadmap and architectural requirements for next-generation vehicle programs for all software domains and related electronics and electrical components. This role is specifically focused on program quality operating at the tail end of industrialization into the program level. This position is the critical launch phase in the product lifecycle: it is differentiated from upstream platform quality (architecture development) and downstream program warranty (field performance). This leader will move beyond reactive issue management to establish high-level technical gating and architectural enablers that ensure industry-leading product quality ensuring our future models meet Fords mid-term plan to achieve best-in-segment quality.

You Will...

Drive Program Quality Excellence: Lead the transition from platform development to program execution ensuring that quality is maintained at the tail end of industrialization.
New Model Launch Quality Control: Act as the primary authority for quality control during new model launches ensuring technical readiness and flawless execution.
Achieve Mid-Term Plan (MTP) Targets: Provide the assurance and technical oversight necessary to ensure future models meet or exceed mid-term strategic goals for best-in-segment quality.
Systemic Bridge (Platform to Program): Take systemic lessons learned from the Platform level and ensure they are rigorously applied and industrialized at the individual Program level.
Software Reliability Assurance: Lead high-priority efforts for programs where software reliability or digital integrity falls below established targets implementing technical interventions to get programs back on track.
High-Level Gating & Technical Maturity: Establish and oversee software gating criteria collaborating with New Models Launch and Technical Platform teams to assess program readiness based on technical maturity rather than an issue-by-issue basis.
Manage Future Risk Profiles: Determine future risk profiles for software reliability cybersecurity and functional safety by analyzing technical improvements and trends over time.
Systemic Read-Across: Lead processes to ensure that defects identified in current programs are analyzed and resolved globally across future vehicle architectures including both software and complex mechatronics systems.
Benchmarking & Strategy: Lead comprehensive benchmarking initiatives against global competitors to drive the long-term strategy for future model quality.
Leadership & Mentorship: Develop and mentor a team of direct and indirect quality experts fostering technical excellence data-driven decision-making and a quality-first culture across hardware and software disciplines.

Youll Have...

12 years of engineering experience in the automotive industry with a focus on product development systems architecture or quality management.
Proven track record of driving large-scale architectural improvements to enhance product reliability and reduce warranty costs.
Extensive experience in new model launch environments and quality control during industrialization.
Demonstrated ability to work programs to targets specifically regarding software reliability and technical maturity.
Experience in strategic software gating and collaborating with Launch and Technical Platform teams.
Deep expertise in systemic problem solving and read-across implementation across multiple platforms and mechatronics systems.
Strong ability to influence and collaborate with senior executives directors and cross-functional engineering teams.

You May also Have...

Deep understanding of Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) architectures and the transition from hardware-centric to software-centric quality gates.
Experience working across OEM alliances and outside partnerships to deliver vehicle programs to quality targets
Expertise in data analysis to track and forecast quality and reliability improvements over time.
Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks (e.g. ISO 26262 ISO 21434) from a risk-management and quality perspective.
Experience in mid-term strategic planning and competitive segment analysis.

You may not check every box or your experience may look a little different from what weve 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 deep dive into what you love or a series of new teams and new skills Will you be a leader a changemaker a technical expert a culture builderor all of the above No matter what you choose we offer a work life that works for you including:
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 Years Day
Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidates skills and experience and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope responsibility and competitive market value.

For more information on salary and benefits click here: sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race religion color age sex national origin sexual orientation gender identity disability status or protected veteran the United States if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability please call 1-.
This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid
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