Sr Mgr, Eng Product Definition, SW & Electronics

Ford Motor Company; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive manufacturer is seeking an experienced Senior PLM Manager to oversee software and hardware systems integration, manage prototyping initiatives, and drive PLM processes. This role involves collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain to enhance product lifecycles. The candidate should have a strong background in PLM platforms, excellent project management skills, and a passion for innovation.

Benefits

Flexible family care days

Tuition assistance

Vehicle discount program

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in PLM management, with at least 4 years in a senior role.
• Proven expertise in Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE.
• Strong knowledge of prototyping and digital thread implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead PLM Strategy and Implementation.
• Oversee software/hardware IT integration.
• Direct support operations of the prototyping and design studio.

Skills

Expertise in PLM platforms

Automotive software/hardware integration

Project management

Analytical and problem-solving abilities

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

CAD/CAM tools

Simulation software

Job description

Overview

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. Our commitment extends to providing our employees with the freedom to define and realize their dreams. As Ford undergoes a massive digital transformation, evolving into a software and services company, the Industrial System stands as a critical pillar. The technologies we develop and deploy here, particularly within Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), are fundamental to our product development, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality operations, directly impacting our ability to deliver world-class products and achieve our ambitious goals.

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. This role is pivotal in driving end-to-end PLM processes, ensuring seamless collaboration across hardware engineering, software development, manufacturing, and supply chain teams. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in PLM platforms (e.g., Siemens Teamcenter and Dassault Systems), with expertise in digital thread implementation, IT integration, and rapid prototyping. You will champion innovative technologies to optimize product lifecycles, from concept to production, in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead PLM Strategy and Implementation: Develop and execute PLM roadmaps, including the design, configuration, and deployment of PLM systems to support software/hardware integration. Ensure alignment with business objectives, industry best practices, and emerging technologies.
• Software/Hardware IT Integration: Oversee the 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, encompassing the research, development, and rigorous testing of innovative software solutions for advanced prototypes for PD.
• 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 (PDM) and digital thread areas.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Software/hardware engineering, manufacturing and supply chain to ensure seamless data flow and system interoperability.
• Innovation and Research: Lead the evaluation and prototyping of new technologies, tools, and methodologies. Stay abreast of industry trends in PLM, IoT integration, AI-driven design, and sustainable prototyping.
• Team Leadership and Development: Mentor junior staff, manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables. 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 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, simulation software.
• Excellent project management skills, with 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 industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, or consumer electronics.
• Proficiency in programming/scripting (e.g., Python, Java) for PLM customization.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies like AI/ML for predictive prototyping or blockchain for supply chain traceability.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a track record of innovative solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of presenting technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

What you'll receive in return…

As part of the Ford family, you’ll enjoy excellent compensation, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous PTO, retirement, savings and stock investment plans, incentive compensation, and much more. You’ll also experience exciting opportunities for professional and personal growth and recognition.

Our benefits summary can be found here: https://corporate.ford.com/content/dam/corporate/us/en-us/documents/careers/2025-new-hire-benefit-summary-LL4.pdf

Additional information

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

• 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 and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• 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
• A 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.

This position is a leadership level 4.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

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