Body Exterior Engineer at Ford Motor Company in Allen Park, MI

About Ford

Ford Motor Company, a century-old icon in the automotive industry, continues to lead innovation in electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, Ford employs over 170,000 people worldwide, driving the future of transportation with brands like F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E. Our Allen Park, MI facility is at the heart of advanced engineering, where Body Exterior Engineers shape the vehicles that define American roads.

Role Overview

As a Body Exterior Engineer at Ford in Allen Park, MI, you'll play a pivotal role in designing and validating exterior body components that ensure safety, aesthetics, and performance. This full-time position demands expertise in automotive engineering, where you'll integrate styling visions with structural integrity. Ideal for mechanical engineers passionate about vehicle design, this role offers hands-on involvement from concept to production.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day will include:

• Designing body exterior panels, including hoods, doors, fenders, and liftgates using CATIA and other CAD tools.
• Performing finite element analysis (FEA) to assess structural performance, crashworthiness, and NVH characteristics.
• Collaborating with design studios, CAE teams, and manufacturing to optimize designs for aerodynamics, weight reduction, and manufacturability.
• Conducting physical testing and validation on prototypes to meet FMVSS, SAE, and internal Ford standards.
• Supporting root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives for body exterior systems.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline is required, with a Master's preferred. Candidates need 3-5 years of experience in body engineering, preferably in automotive OEMs.

Technical Skills

Proficiency in CATIA V5/V6, HyperMesh, LS-DYNA, or ANSA for modeling and simulation. Strong understanding of sheet metal forming, welding processes, and lightweight materials like aluminum and composites.

Soft Skills & Other

Excellent problem-solving abilities, cross-functional teamwork, and communication skills. U.S. work authorization is required; occasional travel to proving grounds and suppliers expected.

Benefits & Perks

Ford offers a premium compensation package tailored for top talent:

• Competitive base salary estimated at $65,000-$95,000 annually, plus bonuses and incentives.
• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and wellness programs.
• Retirement savings with 401(k) matching up to 6%.
• Paid time off, parental leave, and flexible work arrangements.
• Tuition assistance, leadership training, and Ford's Employee Pricing on vehicles.

Career Growth

At Ford, your career accelerates. Body Exterior Engineers advance to senior roles, chief engineers, or leadership in EV and autonomy programs. Our robust development programs, mentorship, and global opportunities position you for long-term success. Many alumni lead Ford's innovation in connected vehicles and sustainable manufacturing.

Why Join Us

Work on groundbreaking projects at Ford's premier engineering hub in Allen Park, MI. Enjoy a collaborative culture, state-of-the-art labs, and the pride of contributing to vehicles driven by millions. Ford's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion fosters an environment where engineers thrive. Be part of the team redefining mobility for generations.

Role FAQs

What tools will I use daily?

Primarily CATIA for design, FEA software like LS-DYNA, and PLM systems for collaboration.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Yes, Ford offers relocation support for eligible candidates moving to Allen Park, MI.

What is the work environment like?

A mix of office-based CAD work, lab testing, and occasional hands-on prototyping in a dynamic team setting.

How does Ford support work-life balance?

Flexible hours, hybrid options where feasible, generous PTO, and employee assistance programs.

Ready to engineer the future? Apply for the Body Exterior Engineer role at Ford today and drive innovation forward. Ford Motor Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce.