Closures Systems Engineer

Ford • Long Beach, CA

9h • Hybrid

About The Position

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

Ford’s Electric Vehicles, Digital and Design (EVDD) team is charged with delivering the company’s vision of a fully electric transportation future. EVDD is customer-obsessed, entrepreneurial, and data-driven and is dedicated to delivering industry-leading customer experience for electric vehicle buyers and owners. You’ll join an agile team of doers pioneering our EV future by working collaboratively, staying focused on only what matters, and delivering excellence day in and day out. Join us to make positive change by helping build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.
In this position...
The Closures Systems Engineer 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.

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

Nice To Haves

• 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.

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.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level