Lead sub-system mechanical development and integration of closure systems, including sheet metal, door latches, hinges, hood/tailgate hardware, struts, and exterior handles.
Design and develop closure inner and outer panels, reinforcements, and architectural interfaces using CAD (3DX/CATIA).
Package and integrate moving mechanical components including hinges, latches, checks, and seals, ensuring proper kinematics and clearance.
Define and execute Design Verification Plans (DVP&R). Coordinate physical testing for durability, strength, and environmental performance, and correlate results with CAE simulations.
Work closely with Studio Design to ensure "Class A" surface feasibility while maintaining engineering requirements for structural stiffness and water sealing.
Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure sheet metal designs are optimized for stamping, hemming, and assembly (welding/bonding).
Manage supplier technical delivery to ensure hardware components meet Ford’s functional, weight, and cost targets.
Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during the development, prototype build, and vehicle launch phases.
Own the CAD, BOM, and GD&T documentation for assigned closure sub-systems.

Requirements

Bachelor's or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
3+ years of experience in production vehicle development and launch.
3+ years of experience utilizing CAD (3DX or CATIA preferred) for automotive body or closure systems.
Demonstrated experience in the design and release of sheet metal components or mechanical hardware
Closures Expertise: Strong understanding of closure-specific requirements, including hemming, sealing systems, and door-retention kinematics.
Expert Mechanical Fundamentals: Deep understanding of mechanism kinematics, linkages, and electromechanical integration (e.g., e-latches and powered closures).
Materials & Manufacturing: Strong knowledge of sheet metal stamping, casting, and materials science to facilitate seamless integration of hardware into the vehicle body.
CAE Literacy: Ability to leverage CAE tools to drive design decisions regarding mechanism stiffness, timing, and structural integrity.
Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with global safety standards and FMVSS requirements related to door retention and closure systems.
Validation Knowledge: Experience with DVP&R, including cycle testing, slam testing, and environmental soak validation.
Craftsmanship: Strong understanding of GD&T and how mechanism tolerances impact vehicle-level gaps, flushes, and user perceived quality.
Hands-on Approach: Experience in physical prototyping and a "boots-on-the-ground" mentality during production build events.

Benefits

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.

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

CAD3DXCATIADesign Verification Plans (DVP&R)sheet metal designmechanism kinematicselectromechanical integrationmaterials scienceCAE toolsGD&T

Soft Skills

troubleshootingcollaborationproject managementproblem-solvingattention to detailcommunicationhands-on approachcraftsmanshipleadershiporganizational skills

Certifications

Bachelor's degreeautomotive engineering certificationmechanical engineering certification