Closures Systems Launch Engineer

Ford Motor•Allen Park, MI

1d•$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. The role spans early concept development and studio feasibility through production-level engineering and launch. It focuses on moving components—including door, hood, and tailgate latches, hinges, struts, and handles—and ensures they integrate with sheet metal structures while meeting functional, safety, and aesthetic requirements. The position is hybrid, with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week. It is leadership level 6, with a salary range of $132,800–$250,800. Visa sponsorship is available. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States, with employment eligibility verified at hire.

Requirements

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or 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 for integrating hardware into vehicle bodies.
Ability to use CAE tools to guide design decisions regarding 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 technical expertise on reinforcements, attachment strategies, and material selection.
Interpret CAE simulation results for kinematics, strength, and crash to optimize designs and resolve integration issues before physical prototyping.
Own CAD and BOM for closure systems, including surface development, datum strategies, and GD&T.
Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and purchasing teams 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.