Technical Specialist - Exterior Ornamentation Fastening and Material Specialist

Ford • Dearborn, MI

16h • Hybrid

About The Position

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
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!
In this position...
We are seeking a highly experienced Technical Specialist (TS) to serve as the global authority on Exterior Ornamentation, Lighting Front t & Rear systems Fastening and Materials Optimization. In this critical role, you will provide subject matter expertise for a diverse range of exterior commodities, ensuring structural integrity, safety, and world-class execution. You will be the primary technical lead for global sign-offs and the driving force behind the engineering requirements that prevent component detachment.
You will bridge the gap between advanced materials science and mechanical joining, leading the implementation of innovative technologies and corporate strategies. Your work will directly impact vehicle safety and quality by addressing Severity 10 safety cascades and developing the design rules for next-generation exterior retention systems.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Materials Engineering, or a related field
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in automotive product development, with a specific focus on exterior systems, fastening technologies, or materials science.
• Expertise: Deep technical knowledge of mechanical fasteners (threaded, clips, rivets), plastic snaps, structural adhesives, and the joining of dissimilar materials.
• Safety & Compliance: Proven track record of leading root cause analysis for complex safety or durability issues and a deep understanding of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Software Proficiency: Experience with PLM software (Teamcenter) and CAD environments (CATIA V5/V6 or Siemens NX) to review and approve retention designs.

Nice To Haves

• Retention Systems: Specialized experience in the design of snap-fits, ultrasonic welding, and high-performance plastic clips for exterior trim.
• Advanced Materials: Knowledge of automotive-grade polymers, composites, and corrosion-resistant coatings.
• Manufacturing Knowledge: Familiarity with assembly plant processes, including automated fastening, robotic adhesive dispensing, and torque control systems.
• Analytical Skills: Proficiency in statistical analysis and the ability to interpret CAE results related to joint stiffness and fatigue life.
• Communication: Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to represent the technical position of the company in global forums and cross-functional leadership meetings.

Responsibilities

• Technical Authority (TS & Core): Provide expert-level technical guidance for the design and engineering of static and power running boards, rock rails, box steps, roof racks, spoilers, roof ditch moldings, badging, appliques, and body claddings.
• Global Sign-offs & Quality: Serve as the primary global authority for technical sign-offs. Lead all recall investigations related to exterior fastening and materials, driving the development of robust requirements to prevent recurrence.
• Safety & Severity 10 Cascade: Drive the fundamental changes needed in joining techniques and manufacturing processes to meet Severity 10 safety requirements, specifically focusing on the total prevention of parts detaching from the vehicle exterior while driving.
• Innovation & Strategy: Lead the research, innovation, and implementation of new fastening technologies and materials. Align exterior systems with key corporate strategies, including lightweighting and sustainability.
• Plastic Retention Design: Responsible for the design and development of exterior plastic retention features, including the creation and maintenance of global design rules and best practices.
• Materials Engineering Collaboration: Work in close partnership with the Materials Engineering team to develop system-specific material specifications and performance requirements for exterior applications.
• Standards Leadership: Develop and maintain internal corporate standards for fastening torque-tension, adhesive bonding, and material compatibility to ensure long-term durability in harsh exterior environments.

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