Technical Specialist - Dynamic Sealing (closures & Movable Glass)

Ford Ford · Auto · Dearborn, MI +1 · PD Operations and Quality

This role is for a Technical Specialist in Dynamic Sealing (Closures & Movable Glass) at Ford, focusing on providing deep technical expertise and problem-solving leadership across the product lifecycle. The position involves technical leadership, strategy development, design and development of sealing and glass run components, advanced engineering initiatives, and root cause analysis for vehicle issues. It requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and 10+ years of experience in automotive engineering with specialization in dynamic sealing or glass runs.

What you'd actually do

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Drive advanced engineering and research initiatives to innovate new sealing concepts, materials, and manufacturing processes.
  5. Lead root cause analysis and resolution for complex water leak, wind noise, operating effort, and durability issues in both pre-production and field vehicles.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • 10+ years of experience in automotive engineering
  • 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

Nice to 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

What the JD emphasized

  • deep technical expertise
  • problem-solving leadership
  • robust integration
  • performance specifications
  • root cause analysis
  • complex vehicle issues
  • stringent requirements
  • deep specialization