Vehicle Structures Architecture Engineer

Ford Motor Company

. Develop new sheet metal Top Hat BIW architectures, focusing on bodyside and roof development .

Posted 11/10/2026full-timeDearborn • Michigan • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $65,100 - $166,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing sheet metal Top Hat BIW architectures and advanced manufacturing processes, with a strong focus on collaboration across engineering teams and the ability to optimize designs for various vehicle applications. Proficient in using CAD tools like CATIA V5/3DX for feasibility analyses and design validation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Sheet Metal Product DevelopmentCATIA V5/3DX ExpertiseAdvanced Technology DevelopmentBody Engineering Design and ReleaseFeasibility Analysis Using CAD Tools

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mechanical EngineeringAutomotive EngineeringTophat Architecture DevelopmentValidation and IndustrializationLightweight Design DevelopmentMixed-Metal Joint Design OptimizationAI for Development EfficiencyMaster Section DevelopmentDraft Angle AnalysisMinimum Bend Radius Validation

Soft Skills

Strong Written CommunicationStrong Verbal CommunicationLeadership Behaviors

Tools & Technologies

CATIA V5CATIA V6TeamCenter Engineering3D Surface Communication

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical EngineeringBachelor’s Degree in Automotive EngineeringMaster of Science Degree in Engineering (Preferred)

Industry Keywords

Body-in-White (BIW)Unibody VehiclesBody-on-Frame VehiclesAluminum High Pressure Die CastingPlastic-Metal HybridsMulti-Piece Integration TechnologiesCompetitive BenchmarkingSafety EngineeringDurability/NVHCosting

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop new sheet metal Top Hat BIW architectures, focusing on bodyside and roof development
Apply customer-usage knowledge aligned with advanced manufacturing and product cycle plan requirements
Develop parts for Unibody and Body-on-Frame vehicles, including steel and aluminum Truck, SUV, and Sedan applications and multiple propulsion systems
Collaborate with Safety, Research, Manufacturing, Closures, Platform Structures, Materials Engineering, and Vehicle Program teams to develop efficient and feasible BIW solutions
Create CATIA V5 / 3DX sheet metal studies and proposals for review with affected teams
Maintain knowledge of competitive benchmarks and develop advanced projects to improve Top Hat architectures
Validate and optimize standard and mixed-metal joint designs in BIW architectures
Cooperate with Safety and CAE teams on new architectures and optimization of existing platforms
Work with Studio Engineering to ensure designs are evocative, cost competitive, and manufacturable
Develop lightweight designs using new-material stamping, Aluminum High Pressure Die Casting, Plastic-Metal Hybrids, Multi-Piece-Integration technologies, and new aluminum and steel sheet material grades
Deliver a robust hand-off to Applications Structures Engineering for optimization
Use AI to improve development efficiency, reduce development time and cost, and improve quality

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering discipline (required)
Minimum of 4 years’ experience in Tophat or Platform Body Structure sheet metal or Closures sheet metal product development, including validation and industrialization (launch) experience
Experience with Advanced Technology development, particularly in body structure
Ability to perform feasibility analyses using CAD tools, including master section development, draft angle analysis, undercut / die lock detection, minimum bend radius validation for sheet metal, and clearance checks
Working knowledge and experience with Catia V5/TeamCenter Engineering and/or Catia V6/3DX to derive, communicate, and publish 3D surfaces
Master of Science degree in Engineering preferred
5+ Body Engineering Design and Release experience in Body Structures strongly preferred
Expert level Catia V5 or 3DX preferred
Strong skillset in systems interaction and integration with Closures, Safety, Studio / Class-A development, Exterior Ornamentation, Durability / NVH, and Purchasing / Costing preferred
Strong written/verbal communication skills, with demonstrated successes in technical presentations
Demonstrated track record of strong Leadership Behaviors
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
Paid parental leave
New parent ramp-up programs
Subsidized back-up child care
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments
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
Generous vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day