Design Engineer: Body Exterior; Trim: C‑Pillar, D‑Pillar Roof, Tailgate, Spoiler, Wheel Arches

Design Engineer:
Body Exterior (Trim: C‑Pillar, D‑Pillar Roof, Tailgate, Spoiler, Wheel Arches) DRAFT

Post Date

Feb 20, 2026

Location

Long Beach,
California

ZIP/Postal Code

90808

Job Type

Contract

Category

Mechanical Engineering

SDG-9ac8e473-b74f-4f6a-9ccc-325b40bfcf
63

Pay Rate

$68 - $85 (hourly estimate)

Ford is hiring a Design Engineer – Body Exterior (Trim) to own the end‑to‑end development of key exterior trim systems including C‑pillar trim, D‑pillar roof trim, tailgate trim, spoilers, and wheel arches. This engineer will drive designs from concept through production release, balancing appearance (fit/finish/craftsmanship) with manufacturability, cost, robustness, and timing. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on mechanical or product design engineer with strong fundamentals, 3D CAD strength (CATIA preferred), and a mindset of being professionally curious—able to explain why requirements exist and deliver practical solutions.

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.

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• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related) or equivalent experience
• 2+ years of experience in product development (automotive preferred; other industries acceptable with strong fundamentals)
• Strong 3D CAD experience (CATIA/3DX preferred; NX acceptable with transition readiness)
• Demonstrated ability to own designs with:
  • Interfaces/attachments
  • Manufacturing considerations (DFM/DFA)
  • Quality/robustness mindset
• Comfortable collaborating cross‑functionally and communicating clearly
• Ability to work with PST overlap; onsite/hybrid in CA preferred

• Direct experience in body exterior trim (pillars, spoilers, wheel arches, tailgate trim, claddings)
• Knowledge of materials & processes:
  • Plastics, injection molding, surface finishes/paint, adhesives/tapes, clips/fasteners
• Experience with:
  • GD&T in production design context
  • Dimensional variation / tolerance stack fundamentals
  • Prototype builds or launch support
• Startup or highly hands‑on experience

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.