Surface Designer

Ford Motor Company

Surface Designer at Ford Motor Company responsible for Class A surface development and quality assurance. Leading collaborative efforts in design to achieve product consistency and innovation.

Posted 7/17/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $84,480 - $162,120 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive expertise in Class A Surfacing, ensuring design vision is maintained through effective surface data management and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Proficient in utilizing advanced surfacing tools and methodologies to drive design development and feasibility processes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Class A SurfacingICEM SurfCATIA ISDTeamcenterDesign Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Class A SurfacingSurface Data ManagementData VisualizationDesign LanguageGeometry Delivery

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsCommunication SkillsOrganizational SkillsCollaborative BehaviorMentoring

Tools & Technologies

ICEM SurfCATIA ISDTeamcenterReference ManagerSurface Tracker

Certifications & Qualifications

High School/GEDAssociates DegreeBachelor’s Degree

Industry Keywords

Surface CompatibilityDesign DevelopmentFeasibility ProcessCraftsmanshipDPA Process

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Leads program surface progression of Design and surface expert evaluation, and critique sheet process
Leads cross-system surface execution to ensure full system surface compatibility
Confirms all program surface interfaces are "Designed-in-Context" to a coordinated data set including supplier data
Develops and maintains a coordinated Class A surface database (i.e. Reference Manager)
Ensures incorporation of appropriated technical, attribute and program requirements into surface whilst maintaining the design vision.
Drives resolution of surface data issues by leading power wall and digital reviews
Manages surface changes in SDMS (Surface Data Management system)
Maintain program product structure and part history in Teamcenter to accurately represent evolution of design and change control
Supports DTO Supervisor with workload distribution, and prioritization of assignments within Surfacing Team
Facilitate program surface progression through the K-Loops. Develop and assist (mentor) Class A Surface Designers in the delivery of feasible math surfaces aligned with program milestones requirements that delivers design intent
During the K-Loops, lead surface development pre-Discovery Complete and post-Discovery Complete lead the incorporation of technical requirements into the surface. On applicable programs, work with Production Studio post K6 to ensure Design vision is maintained through the surface verification process.

Requirements

What you’ll need

7+ years of experience in Class A Surfacing (Exterior and Interior commodities, Total Vehicle System Compatibility). Demonstrates creative and artistic insight, and ensure progression of surface data consistent with Design Language
Strong technical skills in Class A Surfacing Tools, Data Management and Visualization Tools (e.g. ICEM Surf, CATIA ISD, Alias, Team Center, Reference Manager)
High School/GED required
Even better, you may have...
Associates degree or equivalent. Bachelor’s Degree preferred
Strong understanding of Design Development and Feasibility Process, and how they drive the design process through the FC / UPVX / FAA GPDS milestones
Understanding of the Craftsmanship, DPA Process and System Compatibility.
Proven ability to evaluate design alternatives and provide a recommendation
Demonstrate interpersonal skills including ability to plan and organize work utilizing departmental project management tools (e.g. Surface Tracker, Surface Change Request System, etc.). Able to develop and track a plan to deliver geometry through the GPDS milestones
Good communication skills, collaborative behavior for daily interaction with Design Studio, Engineering, Manufacturing and other affected activities
Knowledge of Microsoft suite (Power Point and Excel)

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.