Structural Systems, Core Engineer

Structural Systems, Core Engineer

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world – together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

As part of Structural Systems Engineering, you will help engineer world‑class structural systems and components on all of Ford’s ever‑evolving platforms, including unibody, body‑on‑frame, ICE, and EV architectures. Components included in Structural Systems are full body mounts, dampers, skid plates, heat shields, fastener design, and spare tire winches.

What you’ll do …

Core engineering is responsible for all Structures core documents as well as assisting component design engineers with the design, testing, sign‑off, and launch of cost‑effective, high‑quality structural systems and components.

Institutionalize knowledge and best practices by authoring core documents, including engineering requirements, design rules, engineering specifications, test methods, and failure‑mode avoidance documents such as quality history, interface diagrams, boundary diagrams, DFMEA, and critical and significant characteristics.

Develop, author, and implement standards based on permanent corrective actions and training to correct systemic failures and escape points.

Develop the comprehensive Specification Document for anti‑vibration solutions, defining parameters such as stiffness es (Kd/Ks), damping (tan δ or loss angle), and splines (force vs deflection).

Develop representative block cycles using Road Load Vehicle data tailored for the specific component interfaces the engineer is responsible for.

Effectively communicate the inherent trade‑offs between Vehicle Engineering requirements and the limitations of the mount design, which are often constrained by packaging, durability, or hardware restrictions.

Ensure component engineers are designing, testing, and signing off components with quality by conducting design reviews and reviewing and approving DVP&R evidence as part of the engineering sign‑off process.

Conduct design reviews with engineers to optimize component and system designs.

Join feasibility assessments of new, program‑specific material combinations.

Lead planning, execution, and evaluation of new materials, new coatings, and new joining methods via internal and external laboratories in conjunction with Materials Engineering, Corrosion Engineering, R&A, suppliers, and other Structures Technical Specialists and SMEs which deliver future strategic Structural Systems solutions.

Play both support and lead roles solving production issues with component engineers, supplier technical assistance, materials engineering, purchasing, and vehicle operations engineers. Examples include stop‑ship/stop‑build, field service actions, warranty, and material shortages.

Support cross‑functional teams to identify, develop and deliver new/strategic design solutions that deliver BIC Quality, Cost and Weight objectives.

Benchmark competition and develop advanced projects to ensure Ford is BIC.

Close cooperation with CAE team for the development of simulation methods, material cards, and joining method cards.

Required – You’ll have …

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related physical science field of study.

5+ years as an automotive structural design engineer or similar experience.

Must have experience with anti‑vibration solutions such as Body Mounts, Engine Mount, or Dampers.

Working knowledge or experience reproducing block‑cycle testing for rubber‑to‑metal components.

Experience in all program phases from Pre‑Program through Launch, including one major program.

Experience writing engineering requirements and engineering specifications.

Experience creating failure‑mode avoidance documents, specifically DFMEAs, and identifying significant and critical characteristics.

Demonstrated ability to provide improvements in customer satisfaction, reduction in warranty, or total cost reduction.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Excellent problem‑solving skills.

Preferred – Even better, you may have …

Working knowledge or experience…