Technical Specialist - Dynamic Sealing (Closures & Movable Glass)

Ford • Dearborn, MI

13h • Hybrid

About The Position

Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more! We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Technical Expert specializing in Dynamic and Movable Glass Sealing Systems (e.g. closure dynamic sealing, movable glass runs and belts). This critical role will be responsible for providing deep technical expertise, strategic direction, and problem-solving leadership across the entire product lifecycle – from concept and design to manufacturing, launch, and field quality. The successful candidate will drive innovation, ensure best-in-class performance, and champion the robust integration of these systems into our next-generation vehicles.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in automotive engineering with a deep specialization in dynamic sealing, glass runs, or exterior trim/belt systems.
• Proven experience in root cause analysis and problem resolution for complex vehicle issues (e.g., water leaks, wind noise).
• Strong understanding of material science related to elastomers, thermoplastics, and coatings used in sealing applications.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical discussions, influence decisions, and drive consensus across multi-functional teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with supplier technical management and development.
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes, particularly injection molding, extrusion, and assembly of sealing components.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., CATIA, 3DX) for design review and analysis.
• Familiarity with simulation tools (e.g., FEA, CFD) for sealing and aerodynamic performance.
• Understanding of vehicle architecture, body-in-white (BIW) interfaces, and interior/exterior trim systems.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary go-to expert for all dynamic sealing (door, trunk, hood, etc.) and movable glass (inner/outer belts, glass runs, pillar appliques, etc.) systems.
• Develop, maintain and implement technical strategies, requirements, design rules, and best practices for these commodities, aligning with Ford's quality, cost, weight, and performance targets.
• Provide expert guidance to design, engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams throughout the product development process.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, materials, and competitive benchmarks in sealing and glass systems.
• Collaborate with design and studio teams to ensure optimal aesthetic integration and functional performance of sealing and glass run components.
• Lead the development and refinement of performance specifications (e.g., water leak, wind noise, operating effort, durability, appearance) for dynamic sealing, glass runs, and belt systems.
• Drive advanced engineering and research initiatives to innovate new sealing concepts, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Conduct and oversee complex analyses (e.g., FEA, CFD) to predict and optimize system performance.
• Approve design proposals, DFMEAs, and DVP&Rs related to these systems.
• Lead root cause analysis and resolution for complex water leak, wind noise, operating effort, and durability issues in both pre-production and field vehicles.
• Develop and implement robust countermeasures, ensuring their effectiveness and sustainability.
• Support manufacturing plant launch activities, providing on-site expertise and rapid problem resolution.
• Work closely with supplier partners to ensure their designs, processes, and quality meet Ford's stringent requirements.
• Champion the use of quality tools (e.g., 8D, Six Sigma, statistical analysis) for continuous improvement.
• Mentor and develop less experienced engineers within the sealing and glass systems domain.
• Create and disseminate technical standards, lessons learned, and best practices across global engineering teams.
• Represent Ford in relevant industry forums, consortia, and academic partnerships.

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: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees