An Exterior Systems D&R (Design & Release) Engineer is responsible to design, develop, validate and release parts (Fixed glass, Wipers and Washers, EV charge ports, Fuel doors, Leaf screens, Badging, Appliques, Spoilers, Running boards, Roof rails, etc.) under their responsibility for assigned program(s).
The D&R engineer will lead early development and system feasibility with studio and program management team(s).
The D&R engineer is responsible for continuous design efficiency which includes but is not limited to design improvements to quality, cost, and weight.
The D&R engineer is responsible to design parts in compliance with Corporate, Local, and Global Regulatory Requirements, considering WCR (Worldwide Customers Requirements), ES (Engineering Specifications), SDS (Systems Design specifications).
The D&R engineer is responsible to design parts that meet Manufacturing and Assembly requirements and oversee incorporation at the Assembly Plant(s).
The D&R Engineer is responsible for managing product release CAD and BOM structures, including assembly positioning and mass attribute analysis.
This role also includes facilitating supplier data integration and developing CAD studies to support and drive design improvements.
The D&R Engineer is expected to understand and effectively utilize product check-in/check-out processes, version control, data release, and change management within Ford’s PLM ecosystem.
The D&R Engineer will perform feasibility analyses using CAD tools, including draft angle analysis, undercut detection, minimum bend radius validation for sheet metal, and clearance checks to support manufacturing and machining requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering.
3+ years of experience in development of automotive body exterior systems in an engineering role.
1 year of CAD experience.
Master's degree in engineering (even better).
Experience with studio interface of Class “A” Parts (even better).
CAD experience with TCE / CATIA / 3DX. Parametric modeling experience preferred (even better).
Lean Six Sigma Green or Black belt preferred (even better).
Knowledge of craftsmanship expectations, and benchmarking (even better).
Knowledge of Exterior Systems and packaging requirements (even better).
Demonstrated ability to lead team to resolve complex packaging issues (even better).
English proficiency; fluid speaker with ability to negotiate and lead small team (even better).
Technical communication skills (Presentations & Negotiations) (even better).
Meeting/time management (Recurrence, Agenda, expected outcomes, time management, minutes) (even better).
Microsoft Office Tools proficiency (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point) (even better).
Knowledge of exterior systems commodity manufacturing processes (even better).

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

CADparametric modelingdraft angle analysisundercut detectionminimum bend radius validationclearance checksdesign improvementsmass attribute analysisproduct check-in/check-out processeschange management

Soft Skills

leadershiptechnical communicationnegotiationtime managementteam collaborationproblem-solvingpresentation skillsmeeting management

Certifications

Lean Six Sigma Green BeltLean Six Sigma Black Belt