Applications Engineer – Exterior Systems Design & Release

HTC Global Services; Dearborn (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

HTC Global Services seeks an Applications Engineer for Exterior Systems Design & Release to lead the development and release of exterior vehicle components such as bumpers, grilles, AGS, and related systems. You will work with Studio, PM, Manufacturing, and suppliers to ensure quality, cost, weight, and performance targets are met throughout the GPDS framework.

The role emphasizes robust design, testing coordination, and strong technical communication, with a hybrid work arrangement and travel

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics or related field.
• Minimum 3 years in automotive exterior systems development.
• Experience with Class-A surface development and Studio interface.
• Strong technical communication, presentation, and time management skills.
• Proficiency with CAD tools: Teamcenter, CATIA, 3DX.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, validation, and release of exterior components.
• Drive cost, weight reduction, and design efficiency improvements.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and SDS requirements.
• Coordinate with Studio, Program Management, Manufacturing, Suppliers, and Plants.
• Manage BOMs and change control through lifecycle.
• Support VQR, VRT, and PVT activities as required.
• Apply Ford Performance+ principles to objectives.

Skills

Technical communication

Presentation skills

Time management

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Teamcenter Engineering

CATIA

3DX

Parametric modeling

Job description

Job Description

Applications Engineer – Exterior Systems Design & Release

Job Description

Applications Engineer – Exterior Systems Design & Release

Overview / Summary

The Applications Engineer – Exterior Systems Design & Release (D&R) Engineer will be responsible for the design, development, validation, and release of exterior vehicle components, including front and rear bumpers/fascias, grilles, active grille shutters (AGS), battery trays, wheel arch liners, underbody shields, and related systems. The engineer will lead early development activities, evaluate system feasibility, and collaborate with Studio, Program Management, Manufacturing, Suppliers, and Assembly Plants to support successful program delivery. The role will also focus on quality, cost, weight reduction, design efficiency, manufacturing, assembly, durability, and performance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, validation, and release of exterior system components for assigned vehicle programs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost, weight reduction, and design efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with corporate, local, and global regulatory requirements, Worldwide Customer Requirements (WCR), Engineering Specifications (ES), and System Design Specifications (SDS).
• Develop components that meet manufacturing, assembly, durability, and performance requirements.
• Manage program deliverables to meet cost, weight, quality, performance, and timing targets within the Global Product Development System (GPDS) framework.
• Apply Robustness Engineering disciplines and Failure Mode Avoidance methodologies.
• Develop Engineering Statements of Work (ESOW) and Engineering Concepts (EC), and support sourcing activities including cost reviews and supplier selection processes.
• Participate in Technical Design Reviews and cross-functional engineering discussions.
• Release and maintain parts through BOM tools, WERS, and Change Control processes throughout the product lifecycle.
• Audit and maintain Bills of Material (BOM) for prototype and production builds.
• Identify and coordinate validation, durability, and functional testing activities using DVP and FEDE processes.
• Utilize AIMS root cause analysis tools to identify issues and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Define engineering prototype requirements and support prototype builds.
• Support assembly plant implementation, launch activities, quality investigations, and sign-off processes.
• Review Product Design Level (PDL) revisions and implement required changes.
• Support VQR, VRT, and PVT activities as required.
• Partner with Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) teams throughout supplier engagement and development processes.
• Apply Ford Performance+ principles to deliver business and engineering objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in automotive exterior systems development or related engineering roles.
• Experience with Class-A surface development and Studio interface activities.
• Experience with CAD systems including Teamcenter Engineering (TCE), CATIA, 3DX, and parametric modeling.
• Knowledge of exterior systems design, packaging requirements, craftsmanship standards, and benchmarking.
• Understanding of automotive manufacturing processes related to exterior components.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve complex engineering and packaging challenges.
• Strong technical communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Effective project, meeting, and time management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AVBOM and Release Engineering processes.
• Experience working within the automotive industry and vehicle launch environments.
• Master's degree in a related engineering discipline.

Work Environment

• Hybrid work environment with four days per week in the office.
• Occasional domestic travel to supplier manufacturing facilities and vehicle assembly plants may be required to support vehicle launch activities.

What Makes HTC A Great Place To Build Your Future

HTC Global Services wants you to join our team. Come build new things with us and advance your career. At HTC Global, you’ll collaborate with experts, work alongside clients, and be part of high-performing teams driving success together. You’ll have long-term opportunities to grow your career and develop skills in the latest emerging technologies.

At HTC Global Services, our employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits can include Group Health (Medical, Dental, and Vision), Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, 401(k) matching, Group Life and Disability insurance, Professional Development opportunities, Wellness programs, and a variety of other perks.

Our success as a company is built on inclusion and diversity. HTC Global Services is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, where every employee is treated with dignity and respect. We celebrate differences and believe that diverse cultures, perspectives, and skills drive innovation and success. HTC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a proud National Minority Supplier. We seek to empower each individual, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, included, and respected.