Closures Systems Launch Engineer

Ford Motor Company • Allen Park, MI

9h • $132,800 - $250,800 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Staff Closures Systems Engineer is a key member of Advanced EV development programs, responsible for designing, developing, and integrating closure mechanisms throughout the product lifecycle—from early concept development and studio feasibility through production-level engineering and launch. The role focuses on moving parts such as door, hood, and tailgate latches, hinges, struts, and handles, ensuring they integrate with sheet metal structures and meet functional, safety, and aesthetic requirements.

The position leads mechanical development and integration, supports production engineering and launch, and works with Studio Design to ensure surfaces are compatible with mechanism kinematics and packaging. It integrates mechanisms into sheet metal environments, uses CAE simulation results to optimize designs, owns CAD and BOM deliverables, and collaborates with engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and suppliers. The role supports vehicle milestones and prototype and production build events.

Requirements

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• At least 3 years of experience owning components through a full production vehicle development cycle and launch.
• At least 5 years of experience in automotive closures or mechanism engineering.
• At least 5 years of experience using CAD collaboratively; 3DX or CATIA preferred, with NX, ICEMSURF, or Alias also considered.
• Demonstrated experience designing and releasing moving mechanical systems such as latches, hinges, or actuators.

Nice To Haves

• Deep understanding of mechanism kinematics, linkages, and electromechanical integration, such as e-latches and powered closures.
• Strong knowledge of sheet metal stamping, casting, and materials science to integrate hardware into the vehicle body.
• Ability to use CAE tools to guide design decisions about mechanism stiffness, timing, and structural integrity.
• Familiarity with global safety standards and FMVSS requirements related to door retention and closure systems.
• Strong understanding of GD&T and how mechanism tolerances affect vehicle-level gaps, flushes, and perceived quality.
• Experience with physical prototyping and a hands-on approach during production build events.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical development and integration of closure systems, including door latches, hinges, hood and tailgate hardware, struts, and exterior handles.
• Serve as a primary individual contributor for production-level engineering, ensuring components meet performance and durability standards for vehicle launch.
• Support early-stage concept development with Studio Design, ensuring Class A surfaces are compatible with mechanism kinematics and packaging requirements.
• Integrate mechanisms into sheet metal environments and provide expertise on reinforcements, attachment strategies, and material selection.
• Interpret and use CAE simulation results for kinematics, strength, and crash to optimize designs and resolve integration issues before physical prototyping.
• Own closure-system CAD and BOM, including surface development, datum strategies, and GD&T.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and purchasing on manufacturing, assembly feasibility, and serviceability.
• Support vehicle development milestones and prototype and production build events.
• Manage supplier technical execution to ensure components meet Ford quality and functional specifications.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized backup child care.
• Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• 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: Senior