Platform Hardware Technical Manager

Ford Motor Company

Platform Hardware Technical Manager leading hardware initiatives across FNV3.x Architecture for Ford's technology programs. Focus on engineering collaboration and delivery of platform hardware projects.

Posted 5/28/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Direct the development and maintain assumptions for Platform Hardware iterations (FNV3.2, 3.3, 3.X), managing and driving resolution of hardware risks, technical challenges, change control, complexity reduction, and cost.
Orchestrate Technical Hardware Platform direction through engineering gateways and financial milestones from pre-program (MR) through FEC, acting as single point of contact between SET/VHE/VHM, Program Planning, Tech Strategy, Design/Release, Finance, Quality, Attribute, STA, VO, and NML teams.
Collaborate with the Functional D&Rs / Hardware Teams / SETs / TPMs / TPP Applications team to ensure all work in support of Program content is completed on time, with quality. Manage functional content alignment supports Platform initiatives and program objectives.
Ensure all Technical Platform hardware is sourced, released, validated and delivered in support of program timing. Review and ensure BOM accuracy and completeness including content alignment with Tech Strategy and Architecture teams.
Facilitate the support the DV process by proactively cascading Platform requirements, driving DFMEA development, leading hardware audits/reviews, ensuring proper classification, test planning, vehicle requests and availability.
Spearhead ECU part updates for all Platform breadboards and preproduction builds at the build site. Work with D&R Engineers, SETs / VHEs, suppliers, New Models, MP&L, and other stakeholders to organize and lead HW update events. Ensure all required part and vehicle level updates are completed on time and with quality, in support of build timing.
Represent the Technical Platform Hardware Team in Program and Vehicle Operations forums (e.g. Hardware Architecture Stand up, PSTs, CNE DF, Change Control, Milestone reviews, Design reviews, AIMs, Jira, Pedigree reviews, etc.). Also, organize, lead and follow-up issue- or deliverable-specific meetings.
Manage ED&T and Tooling (Dates, tracking, budget allocation) for Unit/Platform and Program as well as as Platform BOM for Unit/Platform
Evaluate feasibility/scoping of Upfront Hardware for highly integrated features (new/major modifiedECUs to platform – New content to on-board, new platform choices, and platform guardrails

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years of experience in automotive hardware engineering, technical program management, platform engineering, electrical/electronic systems, vehicle architecture, or a closely related technical field.
Demonstrated experience leading complex hardware programs or platform initiatives from early concept through engineering milestones, validation, sourcing, and production readiness.
Experience managing or providing technical leadership to engineering teams, including coaching, prioritization, issue resolution, and cross-functional alignment.
Strong understanding of automotive hardware development processes, including sourcing, release, validation, BOM management, DFMEA, design reviews, change control, and build support.
Experience working with ECUs, electrical/electronic architectures, platform hardware, vehicle integration, or highly integrated vehicle features.
Proven ability to lead through ambiguity, make sound decisions with incomplete information, and drive closure on complex technical and business issues.
Strong communication skills with the ability to influence engineering teams, program leaders, finance partners, manufacturing teams, suppliers, and senior stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to balance technical depth with business judgment, including cost, quality, complexity, timing, and strategic platform considerations.

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 childcare 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

automotive hardware engineeringtechnical program managementplatform engineeringelectrical systemselectronic systemsvehicle architectureBOM managementDFMEAdesign reviewschange control

Soft Skills

leadershipcoachingprioritizationissue resolutioncross-functional alignmentdecision makinginfluencecommunicationproblem solvingstrategic thinking