Exterior Lighting Engineer
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Before you apply
LocationDearborn, MI, United States
Work modehybrid
Typefull-time
SenioritySenior
DepartmentProduct Development
Company size10,000+ people
First seenOct 30, 2026 · 1w ago
Verified live12h ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
experienced automotive lighting Design & Release engineer
lead exterior lighting systems from early concept through production launch
deep working knowledge of lamp design
deep working knowledge of CAD/package development
deep working knowledge of requirements cascade
deep working knowledge of supplier execution
deep working knowledge of validation planning
deep working knowledge of tooling readiness
deep working knowledge of production release
deep working knowledge of launch issue resolution
lead cross-functional execution with lighting suppliers, optics, studio, software, electrical, purchasing, manufacturing, supplier technical assistance, and quality teams
balance performance, craftsmanship, cost, weight, timing, and regulatory compliance
comfortable developing preliminary CAD concepts
assess design feasibility
drive supplier design convergence
identify risks early
make sound engineering decisions across mechanical, optical, electrical, software, manufacturing, validation, and quality interfaces
strong ownership
strong technical judgment
strong communication
strong program leadership skills
Skills
CAD
optics
software
electrical
About the company
We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You’ll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more!
In this position…
The Ford Exterior Lighting Engineer role is intended for an experienced automotive lighting Design & Release engineer who can independently lead exterior lighting systems from early concept through production launch. The role requires deep working knowledge of lamp design, CAD/package development, requirements cascade, supplier execution, validation planning, tooling readiness, production release, and launch issue resolution. This engineer will lead cross-functional execution with lighting suppliers, optics, studio, software, electrical, purchasing, manufacturing, supplier technical assistance, and quality teams while balancing performance, craftsmanship, cost, weight, timing, and regulatory compliance.
Requirements
Our ideal candidate is an experienced, hands-on exterior lighting engineer who can quickly contribute with limited ramp-up time. This candidate should be comfortable developing preliminary CAD concepts, assessing design feasibility, driving supplier design convergence, identifying risks early, and making sound engineering decisions across mechanical, optical, electrical, software, manufacturing, validation, and quality interfaces. The candidate must demonstrate strong ownership, technical judgment, communication, and program leadership skills.
This role is intended for an experienced engineer who can contribute quickly in a Design & Release environment. The right candidate will bring practical exterior lighting experience, strong technical ownership, and the ability to work effectively with suppliers and cross-functional teams.