We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

 

 

This role focuses on creating and maintaining "lightweight," fully configurable 3D models used for digital marketing, virtual reality, and configurators. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of technical 3D modeling skills and the analytical ability to interpret complex automotive program documents to ensure digital accuracy throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle. Senior PDM Data Architect acts as the primary SME across the team and technical bridge between Ford Engineering and Marketing. This role is responsible for harvesting complex CAD data, managing graphics and material samples, and ensuring that downstream creative studios have the accurate, verified technical assets needed to create world-class marketing imagery and communications.  

The role has the following components:

• CAD Data Harvesting & Pipeline Management:  Data extraction by navigating Teamenter engineering, package raw engineering files into usable datasets
• Graphics & Materials Procurement: Badges, instrument clusters, UI screens, decals, logos, color/materials design physical and electronic samples
• Quality Assurance & PDM Maintenance:  Perform "spot-checks" on PDMs (Product Data Models) verifying visual and technical completeness
• Technical Support & Innovation
• Data Preparation & Optimization: Convert complex engineering CAD data into high-quality, lightweight 3D models using 3DEXCITE DeltaGen and Autodesk Maya. 
• Configurability Management: Build and maintain complex logic structures within data models to ensure they accurately reflect all possible vehicle combinations (trim levels, regional variants, and optional equipment). 
• Lifecycle Maintenance: Continuously update existing data models to reflect "running changes" and engineering updates throughout the vehicle's development and production phases. 
• Document Analysis: Review and interpret Automotive Program documents, including engineering Program Direction (PDL), Build Lists, Color & Materials (C&M) design sheets, and Order Guides, to ensure the digital model matches real-world specifications. 
• Asset Creation: Perform modeling, UV unwrapping, and layout adjustments in Maya to fix broken CAD data and optimize models for real-time rendering. 
• Texture & Graphic Development: Use Photoshop and Illustrator to create, modify, and apply texture maps, decals, and perforation patterns to digital assets. 
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the visualization team to solve everyday workflow bottlenecks and contribute to the evolution of the team’s data pipeline.

Education 

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Digital Media, Industrial Design, Computer Animation, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience in 3D data preparation.

Qualifications / Skills

• Technical Systems: Proficiency in Teamcenter Engineering, Digital Buck, and PLM/DAM systems. 
• 3D Software: Strong working knowledge of Autodesk Maya (import verification/modeling) and DeltaGen. 
• Data Standards: Familiarity with CAD formats, and engineering-to-CGI conversion pipelines. 
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills for navigating supplier relationships and internal Ford departments (Design, Engineering, Public Affairs). 
• Organization: Ability to manage hundreds of digital assets and physical samples simultaneously with high attention to detail. 
• Automotive Knowledge: Understanding of vehicle components (powertrain, interior trim, decals) and the ability to read automotive Order Guides.

• Strong critical thinking with ability to analyze complex data sets and determine the most efficient way to build a digital product. 

• High level of accuracy in interpreting automotive documentation to ensure correct representation of digital data.  

• Proven ability to adapt and switch between multiple projects in a fast-paced automotive environment. 

• Ability to work independently on complex data tasks while remaining a proactive contributor to team-wide deliveries and solutions.

Software: 

• DeltaGen: Experience in scene tree management, variants, and staging.

• Autodesk Maya: Strong understanding of poly-modeling and UV mapping.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Photoshop (texturing) and Illustrator (vector graphics/decals).

• TCVis (Teamcenter Visualization): Familiarity with navigating PLM/PDM environments to locate and view engineering data is a plus.

Even Better If You Have

• Previous experience in the automotive sector or working with high-fidelity CGI pipelines
• Understanding of automotive manufacturing processes and how design changes impact digital assets
• Working experience with international markets (global teams)
• Knowledge of project management and issue-tracking tools (such as JIRA) 
• Familiarity of various 3D tools
  • Siemens (ie Team Center), Dassault (ie 3DX), Pixyz, VRED, Unity, UnReal, NVIDIA

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 salary grade 5 and ranges from $63,480-106,680 upwards to salary grade 8 and ranges from $96,720-162,120.

 

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR
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.
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