Engineering Specialist, Fastening Systems Process

Ford • Chicago, IL

2d • $84,480 - $162,120 • Onsite

About The Position

The Engineering Specialist, Fastening Systems Process role at Ford is a critical position focused on ensuring the integrity, efficiency, and continuous improvement of fastening and joining processes across manufacturing operations. This specialist plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing innovative processes to enhance production quality and efficiency.

Requirements

• High School Diploma Required
• 5+ yrs of experience in engineering process discipline, with a focus on Fastening Systems
• A successful candidate must be able to demonstrate leadership in ONE FORD (leadership) behaviors, combined with outstanding interpersonal, teambuilding, and communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Fastening Systems, Assembly, Quality, Industrial
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma experience (highly beneficial for optimizing fastening processes)
• 8D and 5Why corrective action and problem-solving skills (critical for resolving fastening-related quality issues)
• Lean Tools – 5S, Kanban, Poka-yoke, and Value Stream Mapping (applicable to fastening station layout and material flow)
• DMAIC and DMADV (DFSS) Project Methodology experience
• TQM and Kaizen Methods (valuable for continuous improvement in fastening quality)
• FMEA, PPAP, and DOEs experience (essential for fastening component and process validation)
• Visual Factory Management
• Ergonomic analysis knowledge and experience (relevant for fastening tool usage and operator comfort)

Responsibilities

• Support Manufacturing Process Engineering activity for Final Assembly, with a specialized focus on the quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement of fastening systems.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and productivity across manufacturing processes, with a particular focus on fastening operations.
• Apply engineering principles and analytical techniques to establish and continuously improve manufacturing processes and products, serving as a subject-matter expert (SME) on quality aspects related to fastening, including torque specifications and quality routes.
• Develop action plans as required to investigate and prioritize quality concerns related to fastening systems, and to verify corrective actions for internal and supplier processes.
• Lead and conduct process audits to ensure process discipline, particularly for fastening applications, is consistent with Vehicle Operations guidelines and industry quality procedures.
• Conduct ergonomic job evaluations and deliver corrective actions as required, considering the impact of fastening tool use and processes.
• Analyze vehicle inventory root causes; map and implement corrective actions to reduce vehicle inventory, including analysis of fastening-related issues impacting the build sequence or quality holds.
• Create process and instruction sheets supporting quality methods and processes for all assembly operations, with particular emphasis on critical fastening sequences and specifications.
• Deliver capable processes and tools for Trim and Chassis Assembly operations, ensuring fastening tools, stations, and technologies are robust and meet production demands.
• Lead role in resolving assembly-related concerns, especially those stemming from fastening system performance or quality. Lead variability reduction and lean manufacturing initiatives and best practices for fastening processes.
• Ensure compliance with Plant, Corporate, Governmental, and Environmental standards, including specific regulations or certifications related to fastening quality and application.
• Support ISO 14001 compliance and support internal ISO auditing and compliance as required, with an understanding of how fastening processes contribute to overall quality management systems.
• Support continuous improvement in safety, quality, and productivity in Chassis and/or Trim areas, acting as a key resource for fastening technology and process optimization.
• Identify throughput constraints and drive root cause improvements, particularly in areas impacted by fastening operations.
• Act as a point of contact between suppliers and customers regarding quality requests and testing processes for fastening components.
• Develop and deliver training to various departments to increase their understanding of fastening technologies and processes, thereby reducing risks associated with fastening quality.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare and more
• Family building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED