BIW Vehicle Architect (Draft)

Job Description Ford is seeking a highly experienced Senior Bodyu2011Inu2011White (BIW) Architect Engineer to serve as the onu2011site build and test lead for active vehicle programs in Detroit. This role is critical to maintaining continuity between design, manufacturing, quality, and test during vehicle builds and launches. While the core design team is based in Irvine, CA, this position will be the constant technical presence in Detroit, acting as the central liaison between design engineering and build/test execution. The ideal candidate brings deep automotive launch experience, strong technical judgment, and the confidence to lead crossu2011functional discussions on the shop floor and in highu2011level reviews. We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: Skills and Requirements Key Responsibilities Build & Test Leadership u2003u2022 Act as the BIW build lead, supporting vehicle assembly, inspection, and testing activities. u2003u2022 Support durability, structural, crash, subsystem & integration, and quality testing, ensuring vehicles are built correctly and to design intent. u2003u2022 Drive daily alignment through startup meetings, floor meetings, and crossu2011functional reviews. u2003u2022 Identify which units require additional inspection, which trials need to be run, and which issues require escalation. Technical Liaison & Issue Management u2003u2022 Serve as the primary interface between the Irvine design team and Detroit build/test teams. u2003u2022 Review CAD data using CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE (V6), including cut sections and design notes, to understand intent and identify risks. u2003u2022 Use JIRA and Fordu2011integrated deviation systems to raise, track, and resolve issues. u2003u2022 Inspect models, review engineering notes, and validate build execution against design intent. u2003u2022 Document failures, understand root causes, and clearly communicate findings and recommendations back to design and engineering teams. Manufacturing & Quality Support u2003u2022 Support paint trials, quality investigations, and manufacturing process improvements. u2003u2022 Ensure correct parts and configurations are being used during builds. u2003u2022 Validate that BIW structures meet design, performance, and quality expectations during launch. u2003 Required Experience & Qualifications Experience u2003u2022 10+ years of overall automotive experience, with multiple vehicle launches (minimum of one full vehicle launch required; 2u20133 preferred). u2003u2022 Extensive experience supporting Bodyu2011Inu2011White or body structures through build, test, validation, and launch phases. u2003u2022 Prior background performing CAD and engineering work earlier in career (this role is less handsu2011on design dayu2011tou2011day but requires strong technical depth). u2003u2022 Proven experience working on production vehicles (automotive only u2014 aerospace or nonu2011vehicle industries are not a fit). u2003u2022 Experience operating in fastu2011paced launch environments with manufacturing, quality, and test teams. Technical Skills u2003u2022 Experience with CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE (V6) preferred. u2003u2003u25cb CATIA V5 or Siemens NX experience acceptable due to reviewu2011focused nature of the role. u2003u2022 Familiarity with JIRA or similar issueu2011tracking systems in complex, automated environments. u2003u2022 Strong ability to review 3D CAD models, cut sections, and engineering documentation. u2003u2022 Experience with mixedu2011material BIW structures, including: u2003u2003u25cb Aluminum castings (significant focus) u2003u2003u25cb Aluminum stampings u2003u2003u25cb Hotu2011stamped boron steel u2003u2022 Understanding of BIW manufacturing, quality, and validation processes. Key Attributes for Success u2003u2022 Senioru2011level problem solver with strong engineering judgment. u2003u2022 Confident, outgoing communicator comfortable leading discussions in large, highu2011visibility meetings. u2003u2022 Highly organized and able to manage multiple issues simultaneously. u2003u2022 Functions effectively as a technical lead / buildu2011support PM, even without formal project management responsibilities. u2003u2022 Able to serve as the single point of continuity onu2011site throughout active builds. u2003u2022 Experience with castingu2011heavy structures strongly preferred, as this is an expanding focus area at Ford. BIW Scope u2003u2022 Ownership of body structures excluding closures (doors, hood, liftgate). u2003u2022 Strong familiarity with front, rear, underbody, and major BIW systems. u2003u2022 Experience with castingu2011heavy structures strongly preferred, as this is an expanding focus area at Ford.

Created: 2026-02-23