Technical Specialist - Dynamic Sealing (Closures & Movable Glass)

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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.

In this position...

· Technical Leadership & Strategy:

o 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.

o 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.

o Provide expert guidance to design, engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams throughout the product development process.

o Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, materials, and competitive benchmarks in sealing and glass systems.

What you'll do...

· Design & Development:

o Collaborate with design and studio teams to ensure optimal aesthetic integration and functional performance of sealing and glass run components.

o 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.

o Drive advanced engineering and research initiatives to innovate new sealing concepts, materials, and manufacturing processes.

o Conduct and oversee complex analyses (e.g., FEA, CFD) to predict and optimize system performance.

o Approve design proposals, DFMEAs, and DVP&Rs related to these systems.

· Problem Solving & Quality Assurance:

o Lead root cause analysis and resolution for complex water leak, wind noise, operating effort, and durability issues in both pre-production and field vehicles.

o Develop and implement robust countermeasures, ensuring their effectiveness and sustainability.

o Support manufacturing plant launch activities, providing on-site expertise and rapid problem resolution.

o Work closely with supplier partners to ensure their designs, processes, and quality meet Ford's stringent requirements.

o Champion the use of quality tools (e.g., 8D, Six Sigma, statistical analysis) for continuous improvement.

· Mentorship & Knowledge Transfer:

o Mentor and develop less experienced engineers within the sealing and glass systems domain.

o Create and disseminate technical standards, lessons learned, and best practices across global engineering teams.

o Represent Ford in relevant industry forums, consortia, and academic partnerships.

You'll have...

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.

Even better, you may have...

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.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
• 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.

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/LL6

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid

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