Senior Chief Technology Manager

Ford is recruiting a senior technology leader to direct digital transformation for Product Development. The role focuses on modernizing digital engineering processes and systems to deliver best-in-world engineering efficiency, program delivery (speed), cost, and quality.

The position leads implementation and operations for the 3DX platform, including unified Part and CAD bill of material strategies, attributes, product structures, data models, configuration, cost, issues, change management, system integrations, artificial intelligence technologies.

The role governs system configurations, coordinates with business and information technology teams, supports global alignment across Ford organizations, and leads the development, validation, and delivery of digital engineering modernizations, including user training, operations, and continuous improvements. This leadership position and reporting teams are accountable for delivering measurable outcomes to improve cycle time (efficiency), deliver programs faster, lower costs, and improve quality across the following domains:

• Implement next generation 3DX Platform and Operations
• Deliver the 3DX Unified Part and CAD Bill of Material (BOM) Strategy
• Enable the Systems Engineering Teams (SET) Product Structure in 3DX
• Integrate Configuration Management in PDO/PDL, 3DX, and Codebeamer
• Manage EBOM, MBOM, and SBOM Data Models and Critical Attributes
• Deliver Change Management in 3DX, jointly with Program Management
• Pilot PDO/PDL in 3DX, jointly with Program Management
• Develop new AI Technologies for Engineering Authoring, BOM Validation, Process Automations, and Workflow Orchestrations.
• Integrate 3DX with Product Definition (PDO/PDL), Requirements (Codebeamer, FEDEWB), Bill of Materials (BOM), Computer Aided Design (CAD), Materials Management (Biovia), Cost Management and Weight Management (Netvibes), Computer Aided Engineering (CAE), Prototype (GPIRS), Manufacturing (VET), Purchasing (IERP), Manufacturing Material Planning (MMP), Issues Management (JIRA), and Service (PC2)
• Provide User Training and Support
• Continuously improve Process and System Operations
• Enable Ford Energy with 3DX capabilities
• Enable Ford Defence with 3DX capabilities
• Deliver Business/IT BOM System Decommissioning Strategy

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science
• 10+ Years of Engineering Experience
• Domain knowledge in 3DX
• Domain knowledge in GPDS, Bill of Material Management, and Configuration Management

Preferred Qualifications

• Domain knowledge and experience in core systems: Enovia, Catia, Netvibes, Virtual Twins, VET, IERP, MMP, Teamcenter, NX and legacy Ford systems including, but not limited to PDO/PDL, FEDEWorkbench, FEDEBOM, C3PNG, GPIRS, E3P, VSEM, PC2, Aftersales, WERS, CMMS3
• Domain knowledge and experience in core business processes: Product Definition, Change Management, Issues Management.
• Some knowledge and ideally some hands-on experience of software development
• Knowledge of Agile Project Management
• Familiarity with how to use Jira to manage and deliver projects in an agile fashion
• Understanding of vehicle systems and architecture
• Growth mind set, excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills

• Serve as the Directly Responsible Individual (DRI) for the Unified BOM, Product Structure, Release, Configuration and Change Management Strategies in the 3DX Platform and specifically Product Lifecycle Management (PLM/Enovia) system.
• Govern the data models and system configurations to ensure optimal functionality and operational integrity across the enterprise.
• Drive corporate and PD Engineering value stream mapping Kaizens to identify key pain points and process inefficiencies towards the development of leaner, more productive future state business processes, systems/tools, and users interfaces.
• Collaborate and partner with other skill teams and cross-functional stakeholders to drive and deliver comprehensive digital engineering solutions.
• Develop strategic, holistic digital engineering solutions that provide significant benefit and value to the enterprise.
• Engage with business Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to thoroughly understand and capture their evolving needs and requirements.
• Partner with Information Technology (IT) teams for the effective configuration, integration, and deployment of digital engineering solutions.
• Ensure consistency and alignment of Unified BOM, Product Structure, Release, Configuration, and Change Management in the 3DX Platform and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM/Enovia) system solutions across both legacy Ford Teams, Innovative Skunkworks, Ford Energy, and Ford Defence to ensure global common processes in global common systems and tools.
• Work in conjunction with the organizational change management team to facilitate smooth deployment and user adoption of new capabilities.
• Lead global development and operations meetings, including agenda setting, facilitation, and documentation of minutes to drive progress and alignment.
• Interface effectively with regional business and IT teams worldwide, ensuring global alignment on tools, processes, and strategic approaches.
• Oversee the onboarding and training of new team members, ensuring their effective integration and proficiency with Unified BOM, Product Structure, Release, Configuration, and Change Management in the 3DX Platform.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the latest technology trends and process developments in organization’s areas of domain expertise to drive innovation and maintain competitive advantage.
• Leverage understanding of related technologies in the areas of Requirements, CAD, CAE/MOD/SIM, MBSE, Software Engineering, Virtual Reality (VR), Visualisation, BI/Analytics/Reporting and emerging technologies like Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence to inform strategy and development.
• Some business travel will be expected to fulfill global responsibilities and support various initiatives.