Lighting Optical Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Optical engineer designing and simulating Ford vehicle interior lighting systems. Developing CAD models, validating designs, and resolving manufacturing and launch issues.

Posted 9/3/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $84,600 - $166,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and developing interior lighting systems, utilizing Catia V5 and SPEOS for optical simulations and 3D CAD modeling. Possesses strong program management skills and a comprehensive understanding of design validation processes and tooling feasibility.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Catia V5SPEOS Optical CAE SoftwareInterior Lighting System DesignProgram ManagementDFMEA Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Optical Development3D CAD ModelingDesign ValidationTooling FeasibilityMaterial Analysis

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationTeam BuildingLeadership

Tools & Technologies

Teamcenter EngineeringEBOM Structure

Industry Keywords

Design RulesSDS RequirementsDVPROverhead LightingAmbient Lighting

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and simulate body interior lighting systems
Support all phases of engineering from design concept to production release
Work with Design Studio, D&R Engineers, and CAD designers globally to develop 3D CAD models and optical simulations meeting appearance and functional requirements
Use Catia V5 and Speos to develop efficient designs meeting customer expectations
Ensure designs meet tooling and manufacturing feasibility requirements
Support design validation through the Ford DV process and resolve issues in a timely manner
Provide design support and resolve launch issues associated with interior lighting
Support SDS, Design Rules, and DFMEA development and maintenance

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Science in engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field
Minimum 3 years of experience designing and developing interior lighting systems
Demonstrated Program Management skills from kick off to post Job#1
Clear understanding of Design and Release task/process for in-house designed interior lighting systems or applicable electrical component development
Comprehensive knowledge of Overhead/Cargo and Ambient Lighting attribute targets, package and tooling feasibility, material analysis, Design Rules, SDS requirements, DFMEA, FMA, and DVPR
Comprehensive knowledge of Catia V5, including surface and solids development
Functional knowledge of Teamcenter Engineering and EBOM structure, including searching for parts, saving and freezing items
Experience in optical development and lighting systems
Comprehensive understanding of SPEOS optical CAE software
Demonstrated capability of working with designers for in-house designed interior lighting
Knowledge of interior lighting cost drivers
Excellent communication, team building, and leadership skills
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available

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
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments
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
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