Casting Engineering Supervisor

Ford • Dearborn, MI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Casting Manufacturing Engineering Supervisor leads and develops a team to ensure high-quality, efficient casting designs and manufacturing processes. The role leads cross-functional teams in fast-paced manufacturing environments and applies knowledge of casting alloys and processes, including gravity, low-pressure, and high-pressure die casting, as well as core-making processes and materials.

The position drives the New Model Launch of Complex Casting (NMLCC) process, supporting development and implementation of manufacturing-feasible casting designs and processes for new Powertrain program launches. It works with product engineering, manufacturing engineering, suppliers, Purchasing, and manufacturing plants on feasibility, quality, prototype development, supplier evaluation, new technologies, and production issue resolution. The supervisor also mentors and develops employees and performs supervisory duties such as setting objectives, holding development discussions, and conducting performance reviews.

The role is based from a home base in Dearborn, with travel that may range from 25% to 60%, including domestic and international travel. At higher travel levels, the position may support implementation or launch teams onsite at an out-of-state plant or supplier for approximately three months to one and a half years. When supporting out-of-state locations, the employee may travel home every other weekend under HR guidelines.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or Engineering degree in Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Metallurgy, or Materials Science.
• At least 10 years of manufacturing experience.
• At least 6 years of casting experience.
• Ability to lead a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to present, persuade, and collaborate at all levels of the organization.
• Working-level knowledge of casting, post-processing, and die-development processes.
• Working-level knowledge of core-making processes and materials.
• Knowledge of secondary casting operations, including trimming, fettling, deburring, and quality checks.
• Knowledge of iron and aluminum casting alloys.
• Ability to understand MagmaSoft or other casting simulation software results.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Motivated self-starter able to drive change and influence engineering decisions with or without authority.
• Experience performing casting manufacturing feasibility assessments.
• Foundry operational experience in casting manufacturing processes and process control.
• Proven track record of delivering major product launches in an automotive manufacturing facility.
• Ability to work in a production setting and troubleshoot supplier equipment and processes.
• Practical problem-solving skills and ability to address varied situations with limited standardization.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally; travel may range from 25% to 60% when required.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or Master of Science degree.

Responsibilities

• Drive the New Model Launch of Complex Casting (NMLCC) process to enable cross-functional teams to develop program- and component-specific plans for manufacturing-feasible casting designs and processes for new Powertrain program launches.
• Assess employee competencies and support employee development and upskilling.
• Mentor less experienced employees within and outside the organization in Casting Engineering.
• Support simultaneous engineering and feasibility engineering studies involving product engineering, manufacturing engineering, and suppliers.
• Support quality improvement activities, root cause identification, and defect elimination strategies.
• Support supplier selection evaluations through manufacturing assessments and assist Purchasing with supplier and subcontractor evaluation, development, and selection.
• Provide support for casting prototype planning, process development, and scheduling.
• Support on-time, quality prototype delivery of new Ford components at internal and external supplier facilities.
• Evaluate emerging processes and material technologies for potential use in Ford products.
• Support Product Engineering in selecting and specifying component materials and test procedures.
• Assist Ford manufacturing plants in resolving significant engineering issues and achieving continuous improvement for new programs and current production.
• Provide technical support to Purchasing, including Component Buyers and Supplier Technical Assistance, to resolve casting-related productivity and quality issues and develop external casting suppliers.
• Perform supervisory duties, including objective and goal development, development discussions, and performance reviews.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required, including onsite support for plant or supplier implementation and launch teams.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized backup childcare.
• 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.
• Employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• Paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager