Job Description
Role Summary
Ford is seeking a senior Launch Support Engineer – Exteriors to support Advanced EV vehicle launches. This role serves as the on‑site technical liaison between the Irvine design team and manufacturing, quality, supplier, and launch teams. The focus is launch execution, issue resolution, and cross‑functional leadership—not TPM or hands‑on design work.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead exterior systems launch support during vehicle builds, inspections, and validation
- Drive daily alignment through startup meetings, floor reviews, and cross‑functional issue forums
- Identify build risks, inspection needs, trials, and issues requiring escalation
- Serve as the primary technical interface between design engineering and on‑site teams
- Review CAD (CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE) to assess design intent, interfaces, tolerances, build feasibility, and launch risk
- Apply engineering fundamentals (GD&T, fit‑and‑finish, A‑surface, sealing, water management) to resolve issues
- Lead and support problem‑solving activities, including PPAP and A/B problem solving
- Support paint trials, quality investigations, and manufacturing process improvements
- Ensure exterior systems meet design, functional, and appearance expectations at launch
Technical Scope – Exterior Systems:
- Fascias, glazing, exterior trim
- Wiper/washer and exterior lighting systems
- Injection‑molded plastics, thermoformed components, glazing materials, exterior finishes
- Interfaces between exterior systems and body structure
We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to HR@insightglobal.com.To learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: https://insightglobal.com/workforce-privacy-policy/.
Required Skills & Experience
8+ years automotive experience with OEM launch support
Strong design engineering background with prior hands‑on experience
Proven success in fast‑paced launch environments with manufacturing, quality, and suppliers
CAD review experience in CATIA 3DX (CATIA V5 or Siemens NX acceptable)
Strong understanding of GD&T, fit‑and‑finish, A‑surface quality, sealing, and water management
Familiarity with issue‑tracking systems (e.g., JIRA)
Nice to Have Skills & Experience
On‑site manufacturing or launch experience
High‑volume production and automation exposure
Exterior systems supplier experience
Background at Ford (preferred), Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, GM, or other OEMs
Benefit packages for this role will start on the 1st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.