Launch Support Engineer – Closures

Position Title: Launch Support Engineer – Closures

Duration: 6‑month contract / possible extensions

Required

Skills & Experience:

• 8+ years of automotive experience supporting OEM vehicle launches
• Strong design engineering background with prior hands‑on engineering experience
• Proven success working in fast‑paced vehicle launch environments
• Experience reviewing CAD in CATIA 3
  
  DEXPERIENCE (CATIA V5 or Siemens NX acceptable)
• Strong understanding of GD&T, functional quality, steeling, and A‑surface requirements
• Familiarity with issue‑tracking systems (e.g., JIRA)
• Ability to operate as a technical liaison between design and manufacturing teams

Nice to Have

Skills & Experience:

• Direct Automotive OEM experience

Role

Summary:

Ford is seeking a senior Launch Support Engineer – Closures to support Advanced EV vehicle launch activities. This role serves as the on‑site technical liaison between the Irvine, CA design team and manufacturing, quality, and launch teams at build facilities. The focus is on launch execution, issue resolution, and cross‑functional alignment—not hands‑on design or TPM ownership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead closures launch support during vehicle builds, inspections, and validation activities
• Serve as the primary technical interface between design engineering and on‑site manufacturing, quality, and launch teams
• Drive daily alignment through startup meetings, floor reviews, and issue‑resolution forums
• Identify build risks, inspection requirements, trial needs, and issues requiring escalation
• Review CAD (CATIA 3
  
  DEXPERIENCE) to evaluate design intent, interfaces, tolerances, and launch risk
• Apply engineering fundamentals (GD&T, functional quality, steeling, A‑surface) to support issue resolution
• Lead and support structured problem‑solving efforts, including A/B problem solving and PPAP support
• Document issues, root causes, and recommendations; communicate clearly back to design teams
• Support manufacturing and quality investigations to ensure closures meet design and performance intent

Closures Scope:

• Doors, hood, liftgate, and door mechanisms
• Exposure to stampings, sheet metal, die castings, sealing systems, mechanisms, and exterior components

Compensation:

$55-65hr

Exact compensation may vary based on several factors, including skills, experience, and education.

Employees in this role will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package starting on day one of employment, including options for medical, dental, and vision insurance. Eligibility to enroll in the 401(k) retirement plan begins after 90 days of employment. Additionally, employees in this role will have access to paid sick leave and other paid time off benefits as required under the applicable law of the worksite location.