Hiring: Director, Test Architecture Company: Ford Motor Company Location: Dearborn, MI Job Posted Time: 2026-09-03 14:25:34 Target Skills & Keywords : Agile, Configuration Management, Jira, Program Management, SAFe, Systems Engineering, Systems Integration About the job Required Skills: •This role will partner across V&V, software engineering, systems engineering, DevSecOps, data analytics, simulation, lab infrastructure, and product teams to establish a common AI-Led test architecture that improves coverage, cycle time, defect detection effectiveness, traceability, reuse, and release confidence. •AI Test Architecture Leadership: Define and own the reference architecture for AI-Assisted and AI-Led V&V test frameworks, including reusable patterns, common libraries, data interfaces, orchestration models, reporting integration, and governance standards. •Future-State V&V Operating Model: Shape how Ford models testing operations around AI, moving beyond tactical automation fixes to a predictive, closed-loop, intelligence-driven V&V capability. •Test Framework Modernization: Architect scalable frameworks for test automation, AI-assisted Gherkin authoring, automated test code generation, smart regression selection, failure pattern detection, coverage heat maps, and reusable test assets. •Technical Strategy & Roadmap: Develop multi-year technical roadmaps for AI-Assisted and AI-Led V&V innovation, including pilots, reference implementations, adoption milestones, KPI targets, and convergence plans across teams and toolchains. •Cross-Functional Technical Influence: Lead through influence across V&V, software engineering, systems engineering, DevSecOps, simulation, lab infrastructure, analytics, and product teams to drive adoption of common technical standards without relying on direct reporting authority. •Data, Analytics & Closed-Loop Intelligence: Define how test data, defect data, requirements traceability, execution evidence, and release metrics should be structured and connected to enable AI-Assisted insights, AI-Led closed-loop recommendations, and measurable improvements in quality outcomes. •Governance, Standards & Reuse: Establish technical standards for framework design, repository structure, data quality, model usage, evidence capture, traceability, configuration management, security, and responsible AI practices within V&V. Qualifications: •Senior Leadership Experience: Proven experience at a Director or senior leadership level within software, software architecture, test management, systems integration, software quality, or automotive product development. •Global Team Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and inspire global teams of managers and technical leaders, establish operating models, and drive execution across complex vehicle programs and software release plans. •Modern Tool Proficiency: Experience with enterprise lifecycle and test management tools such as Jira, Test Case Management, Program Management, dashboards, KPI reporting, and end-to-end traceability methodologies. •Executive Communication: Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with a track record of articulating complex technical risks, bottlenecks, status, and recommendations clearly to senior executives and external partners. •V&V Expertise: Strong, deep knowledge of test planning, test execution governance, defect management, risk mitigation, software release readiness, milestone reviews, and quality escalation processes. •Advanced Testing Innovation: Experience integrating test automation, AI-enabled testing methodologies, process optimization, and advanced data analytics into test management practices. •Advanced Testing Innovation: Experience integrating test automation, AI-Assisted testing methodologies, AI-Led optimization patterns, process optimization, and advanced data analytics into test management practices. •Communication: Requires executive-level communication skills to present highly technical data, execution bottlenecks, risk assessments, and readiness status as clear, actionable strategic updates to senior leadership, chief reviewers, and cross-functional forums. •Discretion / Latitude: Exercises high latitude and decision-making authority over the global software test management strategy, setting validation baselines, gating software releases, and determining the deployment of department budgets and supplier resources. •Influence: Exerts broad influence across VV organizations, software development teams, program steering committees, and quality forums to ensure digital integrity standards and robust validation protocols are prioritized. Interested candidates, please apply directly through the job posting on company's career page or try via AI auto apply on this platform. Don't miss this opportunity to join a forward-thinking team!