Closures Systems Launch Engineer

Ford•Allen Park, MI

9h•$132,800 - $250,800•Hybrid

About The Position

The Staff Closures Systems Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and integration of closure mechanisms for Advanced EV development programs. The role spans the product lifecycle, from early concept development and studio feasibility through production-level engineering and vehicle launch. It focuses on moving components—including door, hood, and tailgate latches, hinges, struts, and handles—and their integration with sheet metal structures while meeting functional, safety, and aesthetic requirements. The position leads mechanical development and integration, supports production engineering and launch, collaborates with Studio Design on Class A surfaces and mechanism packaging, and uses CAE results to optimize designs before physical prototyping. It owns CAD and BOM deliverables, coordinates with engineering, manufacturing, and purchasing, supports development and build events, and manages supplier technical execution. This is a hybrid position requiring onsite work four or more days per week. The salary range is $132,800–$250,800, with final salary grade and base salary determined by skills, experience, job scope, responsibility, and competitive market value. Visa sponsorship is available. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility will be verified at hire.

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 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 integration of 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 the 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, including kinematics, strength, and crash results, 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 to ensure manufacturing and 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.