Closures Systems Launch Engineer

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 Creation and Industrialization (PC&I) brings together Ford’s vehicle, electric, digital and design teams with our global manufacturing system. Working as one end-to-end organization, we turn ideas into high-quality vehicles, software and experiences across gas, hybrid and electric, designed around what customers need.

The Staff Closures Systems Engineer will be a key member responsible for the design, development, and integration of closure mechanisms for Advanced EV development programs. This role spans the entire product lifecycle, from supporting early concept development and studio feasibility to leading production-level engineering and launch. You will focus on the complex world of moving parts—including door, hood, and tailgate latches, hinges, struts, and handles—ensuring these systems integrate seamlessly with sheet metal structures and meet all functional, safety, and aesthetic requirements.

• Lead the mechanical development and integration of closure systems, including door latches, hinges, hood/tailgate hardware, struts, and exterior handles.
• Act as a primary individual contributor for production-level engineering, ensuring all components meet rigorous performance and durability standards for vehicle launch.
• Support early-stage concept development, working closely with Studio Design to ensure 'Class A' surfaces are compatible with mechanism kinematics and packaging requirements.
• Integrate complex mechanisms into sheet metal environments, providing technical expertise on reinforcements, attachment strategies, and material selection.
• Interpret and utilize CAE simulation results (kinematics, strength, and crash) to optimize designs and resolve integration issues before physical prototyping.
• Own the CAD and BOM for closure systems, delivering high-quality surface development, datum strategies, and comprehensive GD&T.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams within engineering, manufacturing, and purchasing to ensure system manufacturing, assembly feasibility, and serviceability. Support vehicle development milestones and prototype/production build events
• Manage supplier technical execution to ensure components meet Ford’s stringent quality and functional specifications.

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• 3+ years of experience owning components through a full production vehicle development cycle and launch.
• 5+ years of experience in automotive closures or mechanism engineering.
• 5+ years of experience utilizing CAD collaboratively (3DX or CATIA preferred; NX, ICEMSURF, or Alias considered).
• Demonstrated experience in the design and release of moving mechanical systems (latches, hinges, or actuators).

• Expert Mechanical Fundamentals:
  
  Deep understanding of mechanism kinematics, linkages, and electromechanical integration (e.g., e-latches and powered closures).
• Materials & Manufacturing:
  
  Strong knowledge of sheet metal stamping, casting, and materials science to facilitate seamless integration of hardware into the vehicle body.
• CAE Literacy:
  
  Ability to leverage CAE tools to drive design decisions regarding mechanism stiffness, timing, and structural integrity.
• Regulatory Knowledge:
  
  Familiarity with global safety standards and FMVSS requirements related to door retention and closure systems.
• Craftsmanship:
  
  Strong understanding of GD&T and how mechanism tolerances impact vehicle-level gaps,…