Technical Specialist - Dynamic Sealing (Closures & Movable Glass)

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. Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more! 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. Responsibilities 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. 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. Provide expert guidance to design, engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams throughout the product development process. Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, materials, and competitive benchmarks in sealing and glass systems. What You'll Do Collaborate with design and studio teams to ensure optimal aesthetic integration and functional performance of sealing and glass run components. 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. Drive advanced engineering and research initiatives to innovate new sealing concepts, materials, and manufacturing processes. Conduct and oversee complex analyses (e.g., FEA, CFD) to predict and optimize system performance. Approve design proposals, DFMEAs, and DVP&Rs related to these systems. Lead root cause analysis and resolution for complex water leak, wind noise, operating effort, and durability issues in both pre‑production and field vehicles. Develop and implement robust countermeasures, ensuring their effectiveness and sustainability. Support manufacturing plant launch activities, providing on‑site expertise and rapid problem resolution. Work closely with supplier partners to ensure their designs, processes, and quality meet Ford's stringent requirements. Champion the use of quality tools (e.g., 8D, Six Sigma, statistical analysis) for continuous improvement. Mentor and develop less experienced engineers within the sealing and glass systems domain. Create and disseminate technical standards, lessons learned, and best practices across global engineering teams. Represent Ford in relevant industry forums, consortia, and academic partnerships. Qualifications You'll have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and 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! Benefits 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. Salary & Handling 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. Additional Info For more information on salary and benefits, visit: . Visa Sponsorship Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Eligibility 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. Equal Opportunity Employer 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io. Work Setting 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ford Motor Company