Global Material Engineering – Testing Standards Manager

Ford Motor Company

Global Materials Engineering Manager leading a 75-person team and an $18M budget for vehicle corrosion standards. Driving compliance and innovation in materials used in automotive components.

Posted 5/9/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $141,700 - $268,300 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead a global team of approximately 75 employees and 11 managers, overseeing an $18M operating budget, facility operations (Central and Fastener Labs), and UAW labor relations, including contract negotiations.
Drive global material strategies and standards for total vehicle corrosion protection, sustainable materials, and fastener technology, ensuring full compliance with restricted substance management and recycled content goals.
Oversee the verification of environmental durability and material compatibility through CAE modeling and physical testing to support GPDS milestones, engineering drawing reviews, and global program sign-offs.
Act as a global Subject Matter Expert (SME) to resolve complex launch and field concerns through root cause analysis while leading the research and development of emerging material and corrosion technologies.
Provide expert root cause analysis and R&D for emerging material and durability technologies.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Material Sciences, Materials Engineering, or related field of study
10-15+ years of professional experience in related field
5+ years of experience in Leadership roles
Application experience and scientific understanding of materials used in automotive components
Scientific and application knowledge of corrosion mechanisms and corrosion management strategies
Experience with Quality Tools box (FMEA, DOE, 6-Sigma Tools)
Experience with UAW contract implementation and UAW salaried employee management
Availability 24x7 to support critical issue resolution
Credible technical SME for global METS team
Knowledge of assembly plant paint and sealing processes
Understanding of BIW and closure construction
Understanding of fastener joint development and tightening strategies
Fundamental understanding of component and assembly manufacturing operations
Fundamental understanding of automotive components, their interfaces, mechanical and environmental loads
Experience with problem solving methodologies and test plan development
Experience with laboratory management and analytical methods
Working knowledge of GPDS, iPoint, FEDE, Materials Specifications, Design Rules, CETPs, and FLTMs.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

materials engineeringcorrosion protectionroot cause analysisFMEADOE6-Sigmalaboratory managementanalytical methodsautomotive componentsmaterial compatibility

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationproblem solvingteam managementstrategic planningcritical thinkingcollaborationnegotiationexpertiseavailability