UX Quality Specialist

Ford Motor Company
Full-timeβ€’$115k-193k/year (USD)β€’Dearborn, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: UX Quality Specialist

Company: Ford Motor Company

Location: Dearborn, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: User Experience (UX) / Product Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-06T20:30:11

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Drive the quality and consistency of digital user experiences within Ford and Lincoln vehicles by focusing on Driver Information Displays and Touchscreens.

  • Leverage advanced AI capabilities, specifically Large Language Models (LLMs), for efficient analysis and categorization of diverse customer feedback databases.

  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product management, engineering, and product designers, to ensure seamless integration of user interface designs into the in-vehicle ecosystem.

  • Champion a customer-centered design ethos, translating user feedback and validation results into actionable UX design updates and improvements.

  • Maintain rigorous tracking of UX issues from identification to closure, ensuring timely resolution and clear communication of program status.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The core of this role is bridging the gap between customer feedback, design intent, and the actual implementation of digital interfaces within vehicles. This requires a strong understanding of UX principles, an analytical approach to data (both qualitative feedback and quantitative metrics), and the ability to influence cross-functional teams. The emphasis on AI/LLMs suggests a forward-thinking approach to operations within the UX domain, aiming for scalable and efficient issue identification and resolution.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Analyze and synthesize customer feedback from various sources (surveys, bug reports, forums) to identify recurring pain points and areas for UX improvement on Driver Information Displays and Touchscreens.

  • Review product designs and mockups, providing critical input on their usability, intuitiveness, and seamless integration into the overall in-vehicle digital experience.

  • Develop and refine AI prompts for LLMs to effectively categorize and analyze large volumes of customer feedback, identifying key UX design issues and trends, followed by manual verification for accuracy.

  • Conduct thorough validation of Driver Information UX and visual appearance quality to ensure alignment with design specifications and to uphold the highest standards of user experience.

  • Proactively track all identified UX issues and defects, meticulously documenting program status on health charts and escalating critical issues that require prompt attention and resolution.

  • Compile a singular, prioritized list of UX and appearance quality updates for Driver Information Displays and Touchscreens, incorporating insights from Product Management, Engineering, and Product Designers to drive strategic decision-making.

  • Support the development and implementation of new tools and processes aimed at the early identification and mitigation of potential UX issues before they impact customers.

  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of the Digital Product Design (DPD) team's processes and methodologies, particularly within the Customer Confidence & Centerstack team and the Digital Experience Quality center of excellence.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of analytical rigor, technical application (AI/LLMs), and collaborative influence. The emphasis on creating a "single prioritized list" indicates a need for strong organizational and decision-making skills, ensuring that the most impactful issues are addressed first. The support for new tools/processes suggests an opportunity to contribute to operational efficiency improvements within the UX domain.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Ergonomics, Interactive Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and practical experience.

Experience: 3+ years of progressive experience in user interface (UI) design, user interaction (UX) design, or digital product experience development, with a strong preference for experience within the automotive industry, specifically with Ford/Lincoln digital products.

Required Skills:

  • Demonstrated experience in user interface (UI) and user interaction (UX) design principles and best practices.

  • Proven ability to analyze and interpret customer feedback to drive product improvements.

  • Experience with digital product development lifecycles, particularly in automotive or complex technical environments.

  • Strong proficiency in collaboration and communication, with the ability to effectively interact with diverse, cross-functional teams.

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a keen attention to detail.

  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with evolving demands and deadlines.

  • A genuine passion for User Experience (UX) and Customer-Centered Design principles.

Preferred Skills:

  • 4+ years of dedicated user interface or user interaction design experience.

  • 2+ years of hands-on experience with usability testing methodologies and execution.

  • 2+ years of experience in concept validation, gathering user feedback on early-stage ideas.

  • 2+ years of practical experience in LLM prompt engineering and AI-driven feedback analysis.

  • 2+ years of experience in UX prototyping using industry-standard tools.

  • Proficiency with design and collaboration tools such as Figma and JIRA.

  • Strong command of the Microsoft Office Suite for reporting and documentation.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The educational requirement is broad, allowing for diverse backgrounds, but the experience in UI/UX design and specifically with Ford/Lincoln products is highly valued. The preferred skills, particularly LLM prompt engineering and prototyping, indicate a desire for candidates who can leverage cutting-edge tools and methodologies. The emphasis on soft skills like communication and organization is crucial for a role that interfaces with multiple departments.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase a minimum of 3 distinct projects demonstrating your ability to analyze customer feedback and translate it into actionable UX design improvements.

  • Include case studies that detail your process for identifying, prioritizing, and tracking UX issues to resolution, highlighting specific examples of issues resolved.

  • Present examples of your work with Driver Information Displays or Touchscreens, illustrating your understanding of in-vehicle digital interfaces and user interactions.

  • Demonstrate experience in leveraging or integrating AI/LLMs into your UX analysis or feedback processing workflows, if applicable.

Process Documentation:

  • Detail your approach to reviewing product designs and providing constructive feedback to ensure design intent is met and user experience is optimized.

  • Illustrate your methodology for developing and verifying AI prompts used for categorizing large datasets of customer feedback.

  • Explain your process for creating prioritized lists of UX and appearance quality updates, including stakeholder input and decision-making criteria.

  • Document your experience in tracking issues to closure, including status reporting, escalation procedures, and final validation steps.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is critical for demonstrating not just design skills, but also analytical capabilities, process management, and the ability to work with complex data and cross-functional teams. Emphasis should be placed on quantifiable outcomes and the impact of UX improvements driven by the candidate's work. The inclusion of AI/LLM experience in the portfolio will be a significant differentiator.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this position is $115,000 to $192,900 USD per year. This range is determined by factors such as candidate skills, experience, job scope, responsibility, and competitive market value.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.

  • Family Support: Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up child care.

  • Family Building: Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments.

  • Vehicle Privileges: Employee and family vehicle discount program, management leases.

  • Professional Development: Tuition assistance for continued learning.

  • Community Engagement: Paid time off for individual and team community service.

  • Employee Resource Groups: Access to established and active employee resource groups.

  • Paid Time Off: A generous schedule of paid holidays (including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day) and paid time off, with the option to purchase additional vacation time.

Working Hours: This position typically requires 40 hours per week, aligning with standard full-time employment. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility, with candidates expected to be onsite a minimum of four days per week when within commuting distance of a Ford hub location.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided, offering a clear benchmark for compensation. The extensive list of benefits underscores Ford's commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, with specific programs tailored for family support and professional growth. The hybrid work arrangement details, including the minimum onsite days, are crucial for setting expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing and Technology. Ford is a global leader in designing, manufacturing, and servicing vehicles, with a strategic focus on transforming future mobility through digital innovation and customer experience.

Company Size: Ford Motor Company is a large, established global corporation, employing tens of thousands of individuals worldwide. This scale offers extensive resources, diverse career paths, and the opportunity to impact millions of users globally.

Founded: Ford Motor Company was founded in 1903 by Henry Ford. With over a century of history, the company has a deep heritage of innovation, a strong commitment to quality, and a forward-looking vision for the future of transportation.

Team Structure:

  • The Digital Product Design (DPD) team is a dynamic group comprising product designers, researchers, visual designers, industrial designers, modelers, and project managers, all focused on creating user-centric digital experiences.

  • This specific role is part of the Customer Confidence & Centerstack team, operating within the Digital Experience Quality center of excellence.

Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using customer feedback, user research, and performance metrics to inform design decisions and process improvements.

  • Agile Development: Likely employs agile methodologies for iterative design and development, allowing for flexibility and rapid response to feedback.

  • Human-Centered Design: A core philosophy focused on understanding user needs, behaviors, and motivations to create intuitive and enjoyable experiences.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong emphasis on seamless communication and partnership between design, product, and engineering departments.

Company Website: https://www.ford.com/

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Ford's long history and global presence mean that operations roles within the company often involve navigating complex processes and large-scale systems. The emphasis on digital transformation within a traditional industry suggests a dynamic and evolving work environment. The DPD team's structure points to a collaborative and specialized approach to design, with the UX Quality Specialist playing a key role in ensuring high standards.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Specialist, typically representing a mid-level career stage (Salary Grade 8). It requires a solid foundation of 2-5 years of experience and the ability to work independently on defined tasks while contributing to broader team objectives. The focus is on specialized skills in UX quality, feedback analysis, and process improvement within the automotive digital experience domain.

Reporting Structure: The UX Quality Specialist will report to experienced leadership within the Customer Confidence & Centerstack team, likely a Manager or Senior Lead. They will work closely with peers in Digital Product Design, Product Management, and Engineering, fostering a collaborative environment.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the quality and user satisfaction of Ford and Lincoln vehicle digital interfaces. By ensuring that user feedback is effectively analyzed and incorporated into design updates, the specialist contributes to a more intuitive, reliable, and enjoyable customer experience, which in turn influences brand perception, customer loyalty, and potentially vehicle sales.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization Advancement: Develop deep expertise in automotive UX quality, AI-driven feedback analysis, and specific vehicle digital systems (e.g., infotainment, driver displays).

  • Process Improvement Leadership: Opportunity to lead initiatives for developing and implementing new tools and processes for early issue identification and quality assurance within UX.

  • Cross-Functional Influence: Grow by successfully influencing product roadmaps and design decisions through data-driven insights and expert recommendations.

  • Mentorship: Potentially mentor junior team members or interns as experience increases.

  • Broader UX Roles: Transition into roles such as UX Designer, UX Researcher, or Product Owner within the Digital Product Design organization.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "Specialist" title and salary grade indicate a role where foundational expertise is valued, with opportunities for growth through specialization and process ownership rather than immediate management. The impact is significant as it directly affects the end-user experience of a tangible product.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is designated as Hybrid. Candidates will be expected to work a combination of remote and in-office days.

Office Location(s): While the primary location is Dearborn, Michigan, the hybrid nature means candidates must be within commuting distance of a Ford hub location to fulfill the onsite requirement. This implies access to modern office facilities designed for collaboration and focused work.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely features collaborative zones, meeting rooms equipped with technology for presentations and virtual meetings, and potentially dedicated areas for design and user research activities.

  • Tools and Technology: Access to necessary technology, including high-performance workstations, software licenses (Figma, JIRA, Microsoft Office), and potentially specialized hardware for testing or simulation.

  • Team Interaction: Opportunities for frequent in-person interaction with the UX Quality team, Digital Product Designers, Product Managers, and Engineering counterparts, fostering a dynamic and communicative work culture.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. The hybrid model offers flexibility, allowing for a blend of remote work and in-office presence. Onsite days are typically required four or more days per week for individuals within commuting distance of a Ford hub, facilitating team collaboration and engagement.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect, requiring candidates to be comfortable with both remote autonomy and in-office collaboration. The expectation of being onsite 4+ days per week for those within commuting distance is a significant detail for managing work-life balance and logistical planning.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes, likely focusing on relevant experience in UX design, feedback analysis, and automotive digital products.

  • Technical Interview: Expect a discussion focused on your UX design process, problem-solving skills, and experience with user feedback and quality assurance. This may include technical questions about UI/UX principles, design tools, and AI/LLM applications.

  • Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, walking through key projects, highlighting your role, process, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to discuss how you leveraged customer feedback and ensured UX quality.

  • Cross-Functional Interview: Interviews with potential peers and stakeholders from Product Management, Engineering, or other design teams. This assesses your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate into a cross-functional environment.

  • Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership, focusing on strategic thinking, cultural fit, and overall alignment with Ford's vision and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience in UX quality, customer feedback analysis, and working with complex digital interfaces (especially automotive, if possible).

  • Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the process you followed (emphasizing feedback analysis and quality validation), the tools used (Figma, JIRA, LLMs), the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

  • Highlight AI/LLM Usage: If you have experience using AI/LLMs for feedback categorization or analysis, dedicate specific slides or sections to explain your approach, prompt engineering techniques, and the results achieved.

  • Demonstrate Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you collaborated with engineers, product managers, and other designers, and how you influenced decisions based on UX quality insights.

  • Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle conflicting feedback, and how you prioritize issues.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Mock Analysis: Practice analyzing a hypothetical set of customer feedback (e.g., app reviews, survey comments) and developing a prioritized list of UX issues and recommendations.

  • Process Walkthrough: Be ready to articulate your end-to-end process for taking a UX issue from identification through to resolution and validation.

  • Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your experience with Figma and JIRA, and how you use them to manage design workflows and track issues.

  • AI/LLM Scenario: Consider how you would approach using an LLM to analyze a large dataset of customer complaints about a vehicle infotainment system.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess a blend of technical UX skills, analytical capabilities, and interpersonal effectiveness. The portfolio review is a critical component, requiring candidates to not only present their work but also articulate their thought process and the impact of their contributions. Special attention should be paid to demonstrating experience with AI/LLMs, as this is a highlighted skill.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration on digital interfaces. Proficiency in creating wireframes, interactive prototypes, and design systems is expected.

  • JIRA: Used for issue tracking, project management, and workflow management. Experience in creating tickets, tracking progress, and collaborating within JIRA is crucial.

  • Microsoft Office Suite: Standard suite for documentation, presentations, and data analysis (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Excel proficiency is particularly important for data manipulation and reporting.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Customer Feedback Platforms: While not explicitly named, experience with tools that aggregate and analyze customer feedback (e.g., survey tools, review aggregators, analytics dashboards) is implied.

  • Internal Ford Tools: Likely proprietary internal systems for data analysis, reporting, and program tracking that candidates will learn on the job.

CRM & Automation:

  • LLMs (Large Language Models): A key technology for this role, used for categorizing and analyzing large databases of customer feedback. Candidates with prompt engineering experience will be highly valued.

  • Internal Systems: Ford likely utilizes various internal systems for product development, data management, and communication, which will be part of the on-the-job learning.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and JIRA points to a standard design and project management workflow. The significant emphasis on LLMs indicates a move towards AI-powered operations in UX feedback analysis, making prompt engineering a critical and differentiating skill.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Customer-Centricity: A paramount value where all decisions and actions are driven by understanding and meeting customer needs and expectations for an intuitive and enjoyable experience.

  • Quality & Precision: A strong commitment to delivering high-quality digital experiences with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring design intent is flawlessly implemented.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: An environment that thrives on cross-functional partnerships, open communication, and shared responsibility for achieving common goals.

  • Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages exploring new technologies (like AI/LLMs), adopting efficient processes, and constantly seeking ways to enhance user experiences and operational effectiveness.

  • Adaptability & Agility: The ability to navigate changing demands, prioritize effectively, and adapt to evolving project requirements and deadlines in a fast-paced industry.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: The role is designed to be highly collaborative, working closely with Product Management, Engineering, and other Design disciplines to ensure a cohesive and high-quality digital product.

  • Data-Informed Dialogue: Discussions and decision-making are expected to be grounded in customer feedback, UX research findings, and performance data, fostering objective and productive conversations.

  • Constructive Feedback Loop: An open environment where team members provide and receive constructive feedback on designs, processes, and issue resolution strategies, driving continuous improvement.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a user-first approach, a strong focus on detail and quality, and a collaborative spirit essential for navigating complex product development cycles. The mention of adaptability is key in the rapidly evolving automotive tech landscape.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Managing High Volume Feedback: Effectively processing and synthesizing vast amounts of qualitative customer feedback from diverse sources to extract actionable insights.

  • Balancing Design Intent with Implementation Reality: Ensuring that user-friendly designs are technically feasible and correctly implemented within the constraints of vehicle hardware and software.

  • Cross-Functional Alignment: Gaining consensus and driving action across multiple departments (Product, Engineering, Design) with potentially differing priorities.

  • Leveraging AI Effectively: Mastering prompt engineering and validation techniques for LLMs to ensure accurate and reliable analysis of customer feedback.

  • Navigating Evolving Technologies: Staying current with advancements in AI, UX design tools, and automotive digital interfaces.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • AI & Prompt Engineering Specialization: Deepen expertise in leveraging AI/LLMs for UX analysis, learning advanced prompt engineering techniques and best practices.

  • Automotive UX Mastery: Gain in-depth knowledge of the specific challenges and opportunities in designing user experiences for the automotive environment.

  • Process Optimization: Contribute to and potentially lead initiatives for improving the UX quality assurance and feedback analysis processes.

  • Cross-Functional Leadership Skills: Develop stronger influencing and negotiation skills through close collaboration with product and engineering teams.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for roles bridging data analysis and product development in a large, complex organization. The growth opportunities are clearly linked to developing specialized skills in AI and automotive UX, as well as honing process improvement and cross-functional influence.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you identified a significant UX issue based on customer feedback. What was your process for analysis, prioritization, and driving a resolution? How did you ensure the solution met design intent?" (Focus on feedback analysis, prioritization, and resolution process)

  • "How would you approach using an LLM to categorize and analyze thousands of customer comments about a vehicle's touchscreen interface? What kind of prompts would you develop, and how would you validate the AI's output?" (Focus on AI/LLM experience and prompt engineering)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "Why are you interested in UX Quality at Ford, and what specifically about our digital experience initiatives excites you?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest)

  • "How do you ensure your work aligns with customer-centered design principles, especially when dealing with complex automotive systems?" (Showcase understanding of core UX values)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as narratives: the challenge, your unique approach, the steps you took, the tools you used, and the positive outcomes.

  • Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your UX improvements (e.g., reduction in reported issues, improvement in task completion rates, positive sentiment shift in feedback).

  • Showcase AI/LLM Application: If applicable, dedicate clear sections to projects where you utilized AI/LLMs, explaining your prompt engineering strategy and the value it added.

  • Highlight Collaboration: Be ready to discuss specific instances where your feedback or insights influenced product decisions or design iterations, emphasizing your collaborative approach.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe your practical experience with feedback analysis, AI tools, and cross-functional collaboration. The portfolio presentation is your primary opportunity to showcase these skills in action, so preparation should focus on clear, structured, and impactful storytelling.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this UX Quality Specialist position:

  • Submit your application through the official Ford careers portal via the provided link.

  • Tailor your resume: Highlight keywords from the job description such as "UX Quality," "User Interface Design," "User Interaction Design," "LLM Prompt Engineering," "Customer Feedback Analysis," "Figma," and "JIRA." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

  • Prepare your portfolio: Curate 3-5 strong projects that showcase your ability to analyze customer feedback, drive UX improvements, and demonstrate proficiency with relevant tools, especially AI/LLMs. Be ready to present these projects clearly and concisely.

  • Research Ford's Digital Experience: Familiarize yourself with Ford's current in-car technology, design philosophy, and recent news related to their digital transformation efforts. Understand their commitment to customer experience.

  • Practice your interview responses: Rehearse answers to common UX interview questions, focusing on providing specific examples from your experience, particularly those related to quality assurance, feedback analysis, AI application, and cross-functional collaboration.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Application Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering, ergonomics, or interactive design with at least 3 years of experience in UI/UX design and digital experience product development. Proficiency in Figma and JIRA, along with strong communication skills, is expected.