Structural Systems Engineer

Ford Motor; Dearborn (MI); Hybrid; USD 65,100 - 166,200; Full time

Job summary

Ford Motor Company is seeking a Design Release Engineer for Frame, Mounts, Spare Tire Winches, and/or Tow Hooks to own forward model development, release and through launch. You will deliver robust designs, apply DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans and engineering specifications while coordinating with suppliers and cross‑functional teams to meet vehicle attributes.

Requirements include a BS in Mechanical Engineering and 2+ years of hands‑on experience with metal components; CAD/CAE proficiency; sheet

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 2+ years hands‑on experience manufacturing and developing metal components and structures.
• Experience with CAD/CAE tools and optimizing tool designs for stamping, welding, sheet metal, extrusions or castings.
• Feasibility analyses using CAD tools including draft angle analysis, undercut detection, minimum bend radius validation and clearance checks.
• Sheet metal joining experience (MIG, SPR, Laser weld, spot welding).
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Self‑motivation with ability to manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Design and Release Engineering for Frame, Mounts, Spare Tire Winches, and/or Tow Hooks, responsible for forward model development, release, and through launch.
• Manage supply base and support all design phase deliverables from initial concept to launch.
• Collaborate with supplier manufacturing, STA and quality teams to ensure design for assembly feasibility.
• Develop & maintain quality documents DFMEA, SCCAF, P‑diagram; support on time delivery of prototype and production builds, DV/PV testing, launch.
• Lead Structures OPD & SREA changes; review and approve frame structures to meet ES and vehicle requirements.
• Strong GDT knowledge; create and run stack‑ups; review DVA; manage supplier cost, timing, and changes.
• Lead on‑time resolution of AIMS ICA/PCA plans via 8D and 3x5Why workstreams.

Skills

CAD/CAE tools

Sheet metal joining (MIG/Spot/laser)

DFMEA/PFMEA

Tool design optimization (stamping/waw

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

DFMEA

P‑diagram

SCCAF

Job description

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.

In this position...

• Design and Release Engineering for Frame, Mounts, Spare Tire Winches, and/or Tow Hooks, responsible for forward model development, release, and through launch.
• Absolute focus on delivery of robust designs and failure mode avoidance by applying engineering disciplines including DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, Perfect Drawing Plan and Engineering Specifications.
• Responsible for overall design leadership to meet vehicle attributes including package, crash, durability, commercial upfitting, and thermal management.
• Deliver prototype builds, PPAP & production launch on time with quality.
• Responsible to lead, review, and approve, Frame Structure designs to ensure delivery to component ES, and vehicle requirements.
• Responsible to resolve all durability, assembly, and functional issues identified.
• Coach, technical mentor, and guide peer engineers with regular information exchange through Technical Club forums.

Deliver focused Material Cost Reduction, Warranty reduction, and benchmarking.

Responsibilities

• Design and Release Engineering for Frame, Mounts, Spare Tire Winches, and/or Tow Hooks, responsible for forward model development, release, and through launch.
• Manage supply base.
• Support all design phase deliverables from initial concept to launch.
• Work with supplier manufacturing, STA and quality teams to ensure design for assembly feasibility.
• Develop & maintain quality documents DFMEA, SCCAF, P-diagram etc. Support on time delivery of prototype & production builds, DV/PV testing, launch.
• Lead Structures OPD & SREA changes.
• Strong GDT knowledge, create & run stack-ups, review DVA.
• Manage supplier (Cost, timing, product and manufacturing changes).
• Lead on time resolution of AIMS identify ICA/PCA plan and 8D, 3x5Why workstreams.

Qualifications

You'll have...

Minimum Requirements:

• B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of hands‑on experience manufacturing and developing metal components and structure.
• Experience in using CAD/CAE tools and ability to optimize tool designs for stamping, welding and sheet metal, extrusions, castings.
• The D&R Engineer will perform feasibility analyses using CAD tools, including draft angle analysis, undercut detection, minimum bend radius validation for sheet metal, and clearance checks to support manufacturing.
• Sheet metal joining experience (MIG, SPR, Laser weld, spot welding).
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to manage multiple tasks.

Even better, if you have ...

Preferred

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience manufacturing and developing metal components and structure.
• PPAP launch experience. 3 years’ experience in frames or structures Design and Release. Mechanical Engineering BS
• Ability to lead a team, work with cross functional group

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.

This position is a salary grade 5 to salary grade 8. Salary ranges from $65,100-$166,200. 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/GSR

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.