3D Operations Digital Manager

Ford Motor Company

Digital Sculpting Manager at Ford leading creative design concepts and managing a talented digital team. Overseeing all phases of design development from ideation to prototype.

Posted 5/22/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $115,500 - $218,100 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead a team of creative digital sculptors in the creation of product concepts and thematic alternatives.
Provide ideation and concept alternatives in support of Design staff.
Lead a team of digital modelers to develop complete CAD models for physical builds from limited data release/availability.
Manage and support the creation of complete 3D data for all items related to studio properties.
Own the management and delivery of all timing plans, work orders and reviews for studio properties.
Lead the development of 3D data for all Studio properties.
Interface with all levels and functions of the Design team.
Pitch ideas confidently and present the creative vision clearly to partners, as well as communicate in the same manner to members of the creative team.
Be comfortable with complexity—finding opportunities and clear paths in ambiguous environments.
You’re comfortable facilitating senior stakeholder discussions
Have strong people management and leadership skills to hire, develop, and inspire the creative team.
Lead multiple Ford design projects from conception to completion in accordance with deadlines.
Collaborate with other Ford team members and stakeholders.
Plan and organize the workload and job assignments of subordinate personnel.
Cultivate employee engagement and improve morale. Embody our culture and steward others in the direction of our shared values and ways of working inside the studio and with Ford. You have the patience to mentor and coach others through difficult challenges and can serve as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Creative background with knowledge of technical requirements for automotive design
Experience with interior and exterior design
Proven record of results in concept delivery
Experience and knowledge of surfacing techniques and software
Knowledge of CAD software
Understanding of the requirements for clay model development techniques
Ability to work in a dynamic work environment with continuous change and a willingness to learn new skills
Proficient at creative problem-solving
Ability to work independently and provide strong technical aesthetic judgment to lead team members.
Outstanding teamwork, leadership, visual, written, and verbal communication skills
5+ years working in Studio / Design environments
Computer skills and software knowledge of Microsoft Office
3+ years direct experience with surfacing software
College degree – Design or Engineering emphasis preferred
Experience of working in or with creative cultures
Experience of working in large, corporate environments
Experience of managing multiple stakeholders across complex project

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.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

CAD softwaresurfacing techniques3D modelingconcept deliveryautomotive designclay model developmentcreative problem-solvingtechnical aesthetic judgmentdesign softwareinterior and exterior design

Soft Skills

people managementleadershipteamworkvisual communicationwritten communicationverbal communicationmentoringcoachingfacilitationemployee engagement

Certifications

college degree in Designcollege degree in Engineering