Senior Manager – Closure System Engineering

Ford Motor Company

. Act as the business owner with end-to-end responsibility for Closures Systems .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeDearborn • Michigan • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Closures Systems design and engineering, with a strong focus on quality, cost, and performance metrics. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage engineering departments, and drive technical strategies and innovations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Closures Systems DesignEngineering Department Management3DX/CATIA V5 CapabilityStatistical AnalysisFailure Mode Avoidance (FMA)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mechanical EngineeringBIW Design & ReleaseQuality History AnalysisRoot-Cause IdentificationDesign Review ProcessDFMEAs DevelopmentSCCAFs DevelopmentBoundary DiagramsP-DiagramsDVP&R

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsStrong Leadership BehaviorsCollaborative Decision-MakingRelationship BuildingMentoring and Training

Tools & Technologies

3LX5W8DsCAETMMProduction Launch Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical EngineeringMaster’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Preferred)

Industry Keywords

Closures SystemsStampingsClosures KinematicsSafety-Critical SystemsEngineering KPIs

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Act as the business owner with end-to-end responsibility for Closures Systems
Lead delivery of engineering KPIs including Quality, Cost, Weight and Functional Performance (QCWF)
Define and communicate department technical strategies, objectives, mission and values
Drive engineering excellence, root-cause identification and resolution using tools such as 3LX5W and 8Ds
Serve as technical architect and leader for Closures Systems globally
Own the design review process using Failure Mode Avoidance (FMA)
Build cross-functional relationships to deliver robust, production-feasible designs
Ensure adherence to FMA, DVP&R, Quality History and Prevent Recurrence
Analyze designs and address potential failures and error states
Interface with management and external parties on Closures Systems matters
Provide technical support to cross-functional and global teams
Recommend, develop and verify applications for new and advanced Closures Systems designs and technologies
Ensure benchmarking and technology development mechanisms support business goals
Monitor and investigate new Closures Systems technologies
Guide training, mentoring and consulting for engineers, supervisors and interfacing functions
Support Campaign Prevent activities and zero-mindset FSA mentality
Support CCRG for Closure Systems matters
Guide development of Closures Systems tools, methods and processes
Lead development and maintenance of commodity-specific standards, specifications and verification methods
Lead development and deployment of foundation documents including DFMEAs, SCCAFs, Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, DVP&R and integration manuals
Lead supplier selection and development with cross-functional teams
Develop business cases for designs and commercial negotiations
Present work to cross-functional teams and executive leadership

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field
10 years of experience in Closures Systems & BIW design & release with increasing levels of project & team management
Deep technical understanding and significant expertise and experience in Closures, BIW, stampings, closures kinematics & mechanisms, CAE, testing, quality and production launch
3–5 years minimum managing an engineering department with proven track record and delivery of results
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong leadership behaviors with good collaborative decision-making skills
Ability to build strong working relationships with program teams, purchasing, manufacturing, STA and suppliers
Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred
10–15 years of experience in BIW & Closures Systems preferred
Aptitude for developing people & processes
Strong understanding of statistical analysis
3DX/CATIA V5 capability
Extensive experience and strong TMM working on safety-critical systems & components
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available

Benefits

Comp & perks

Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care days
Paid parental leave
New parent ramp-up programs
Subsidized back-up childcare
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members
Management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
Generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Paid time off
Option to purchase additional vacation time