3D Operations Digital Chief

Ford Motor Company

Digital Design Manager leading a team at Ford Motor Company. Overseeing the development of design concepts and CAD models for automotive applications.

Posted 5/22/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $141,700 - $268,300 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage a team of creative digital sculptors to create and develop product concepts and thematic alternatives.
Lead a team digital modelers to develop complete CAD models for physical builds from limited data release/availability.
Oversee the creation of complete 3D data for all systems related to property builds, including chassis, armature, body and component development.
Manage and deliver timing plans, work orders, and design reviews for property builds.
Lead the development of 3D data for all Studio properties
Oversee all functional aspects of model builds – including closures, electronics and experiential demonstrations.
Collaborate and interface with all levels and functions of the Design team.
Take responsibility for the creative vision and the standard of output across the teams this position is responsible for.
Recommend and implement training and development plans for subordinates. Assist the 3D Operations Director in the proper and effective implementation of personnel programs, including performance reviews, salary planning and employee counseling.
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.
Cultivate employee engagement. Embody our culture and steward others in the direction of our shared values and ways of working with Ford. You have 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 all aspects of vehicle design, interiors, exteriors, and chassis
Experience leading a team of professionals with a proven record of results
Experience with and in depth knowledge of surfacing techniques and software
Knowledge of CAD software
High level of understanding of the requirements for physical 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.
Outstanding teamwork, leadership, visual, written, and verbal communication skills required.

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

3D modelingCAD modelingsurfacing techniquesphysical model developmentautomotive designvehicle designinterior designexterior designchassis designcreative problem-solving

Soft Skills

people managementleadershipteamworkvisual communicationwritten communicationverbal communicationemployee engagementmentoringcoachingstakeholder management