Description
We are seeking a Closures Systems Engineer to join our Electric Vehicles, Digital and Design (EVDD) team. As a Closures Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, development, and validation of vehicle closure systems, such as side doors, hood, fender, liftgate, tailgate, etc. This role focuses on the critical intersection of sheet metal structures and mechanical hardware.
You will ensure that closure systems are engineered for structural integrity and manufacturing feasibility while seamlessly integrating hardware such as latches, hinges, and seals. You will support the product from early concept through prototype testing and final production launch, meet all functional, safety, and aesthetic requirements.
Responsibilities:
- 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.
Qualifications:
- 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
Even better, you may have:
- 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.
If you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!