Ford Motor Company
Sr Mgr, Eng Product Definition, SW & Electronics
Ford Motor Company, Topeka, Kansas, United States, 66652
Overview
At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. As Ford undergoes a digital transformation into a software and services company, the Industrial System plays a critical role. The PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) function is fundamental to product development, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality operations. We are seeking an experienced Senior PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Manager to lead the integration of software and hardware systems within our IT ecosystem, oversee prototyping initiatives, and manage studio operations for product design and development. The ideal candidate will have strong PLM experience with platforms such as Siemens Teamcenter and Dassault Systèmes, expertise in digital thread implementation, IT integration, and rapid prototyping, and will champion innovative technologies to optimize product lifecycles from concept to production in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
Lead PLM Strategy and Implementation:
Develop and execute PLM roadmaps, including design, configuration, and deployment of PLM systems to support software/hardware integration. Ensure alignment with business objectives, best practices, and emerging technologies.
Software/Hardware IT Integration:
Oversee integration of software (e.g., CAD, CAE tools) and hardware components into unified IT platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enable digital twins, data management, and real‑time collaboration across the product lifecycle.
Prototyping Enterprise Software support:
Lead IT software prototyping initiatives, including research, development, and testing of innovative software solutions for advanced prototypes.
Studio Design:
Direct support operations of the prototyping and design studio, including resource allocation, tool selection (e.g., 3D printing, simulation software), and workflow optimization. Foster a creative environment for concept ideation, modeling, and visualization.
Process Optimization:
Design, document, and maintain PLM standards, processes, and policies. Identify opportunities for automation, data governance, and efficiency improvements in product data management and digital thread areas.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work with software/hardware engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain to ensure seamless data flow and system interoperability.
Innovation and Research:
Lead evaluation and prototyping of new technologies, tools, and methodologies. Stay current with PLM trends, IoT integration, AI-driven design, and sustainable prototyping.
Team Leadership and Development:
Mentor junior staff, manage project timelines and budgets, and promote best practices in agile methodologies and continuous improvement.
You'll have
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, computer science, information systems, or a related field.
8+ years of experience in PLM management, with at least 4 years in a senior or leadership role.
Proven expertise in PLM platforms such as Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE.
Strong knowledge of automotive software/hardware integration.
Experience in prototyping, product data management, and digital thread implementation.
Familiarity with design studio operations, including CAD/CAM tools and simulation software.
Excellent project management skills; certifications like PMP or Agile/Scrum preferred.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive complex projects to completion.
You may also have
Experience in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, or consumer electronics industries.
Proficiency in programming/scripting (e.g., Python, Java) for PLM customization.
Knowledge of emerging technologies such as AI/ML for predictive prototyping or blockchain for supply chain traceability.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities and a track record of innovative solutions.
Excellent communication skills, able to present technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
What you'll receive in return As part of the Ford family, you’ll receive excellent compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous PTO, retirement plans, stock options, incentive compensation, and opportunities for professional and personal growth. A benefits summary is available internally.
Additional information
This position is leadership level 4.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodations for the online application process due to disability can be requested.
Onsite work of up to three days per week may be required for candidates within commuting distance of a Ford hub location.
Requisition ID: 48319
#J-18808-Ljbffr
At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. As Ford undergoes a digital transformation into a software and services company, the Industrial System plays a critical role. The PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) function is fundamental to product development, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality operations. We are seeking an experienced Senior PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Manager to lead the integration of software and hardware systems within our IT ecosystem, oversee prototyping initiatives, and manage studio operations for product design and development. The ideal candidate will have strong PLM experience with platforms such as Siemens Teamcenter and Dassault Systèmes, expertise in digital thread implementation, IT integration, and rapid prototyping, and will champion innovative technologies to optimize product lifecycles from concept to production in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
Lead PLM Strategy and Implementation:
Develop and execute PLM roadmaps, including design, configuration, and deployment of PLM systems to support software/hardware integration. Ensure alignment with business objectives, best practices, and emerging technologies.
Software/Hardware IT Integration:
Oversee integration of software (e.g., CAD, CAE tools) and hardware components into unified IT platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enable digital twins, data management, and real‑time collaboration across the product lifecycle.
Prototyping Enterprise Software support:
Lead IT software prototyping initiatives, including research, development, and testing of innovative software solutions for advanced prototypes.
Studio Design:
Direct support operations of the prototyping and design studio, including resource allocation, tool selection (e.g., 3D printing, simulation software), and workflow optimization. Foster a creative environment for concept ideation, modeling, and visualization.
Process Optimization:
Design, document, and maintain PLM standards, processes, and policies. Identify opportunities for automation, data governance, and efficiency improvements in product data management and digital thread areas.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work with software/hardware engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain to ensure seamless data flow and system interoperability.
Innovation and Research:
Lead evaluation and prototyping of new technologies, tools, and methodologies. Stay current with PLM trends, IoT integration, AI-driven design, and sustainable prototyping.
Team Leadership and Development:
Mentor junior staff, manage project timelines and budgets, and promote best practices in agile methodologies and continuous improvement.
You'll have
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, computer science, information systems, or a related field.
8+ years of experience in PLM management, with at least 4 years in a senior or leadership role.
Proven expertise in PLM platforms such as Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE.
Strong knowledge of automotive software/hardware integration.
Experience in prototyping, product data management, and digital thread implementation.
Familiarity with design studio operations, including CAD/CAM tools and simulation software.
Excellent project management skills; certifications like PMP or Agile/Scrum preferred.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive complex projects to completion.
You may also have
Experience in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, or consumer electronics industries.
Proficiency in programming/scripting (e.g., Python, Java) for PLM customization.
Knowledge of emerging technologies such as AI/ML for predictive prototyping or blockchain for supply chain traceability.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities and a track record of innovative solutions.
Excellent communication skills, able to present technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
What you'll receive in return As part of the Ford family, you’ll receive excellent compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous PTO, retirement plans, stock options, incentive compensation, and opportunities for professional and personal growth. A benefits summary is available internally.
Additional information
This position is leadership level 4.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodations for the online application process due to disability can be requested.
Onsite work of up to three days per week may be required for candidates within commuting distance of a Ford hub location.
Requisition ID: 48319
#J-18808-Ljbffr