Ford Production System Strategist, Ford Energy

Ford Motor • Glendale, KY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Ford Energy is a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company dedicated to accelerating U.S. energy independence. Leveraging Ford’s century of manufacturing excellence and world-class battery energy storage systems (BESS) technology, Ford Energy designs, manufactures, and services grid-scale and commercial DC battery energy storage systems (BESS). Ford Energy is uniquely positioned to capture the growing demand for reliable, US-built energy storage systems. We are not just building batteries; we are building the infrastructure for the next generation of the American grid. At Ford Energy, you have the backing of an industrial manufacturing powerhouse with the agility of a dedicated energy startup offering industry leading technology. We offer a competitive compensation package including performance-based bonuses, Ford vehicle discounts, and the opportunity to shape the energy strategy of one of the world's most iconic brands.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering required (in lieu of degree, 8+ years of proven experience applying Lean Manufacturing tools or production systems will be considered)
• 5+ years of proven experience applying Lean Manufacturing tools or production systems
• 5+ years of experience working directly on the shop floor in a high volume assembly environment
• Lean Six Sigma trained (certification not required)
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, up to 20%, as needed
• Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Proven track record working with Production Systems or as a Lean Manufacturing practitioner/SME.
• Deep, demonstrable knowledge of Production System standards, tools, and methodologies.
• Battery, powertrain, or electronics experience is highly preferred
• Excellent coaching and interpersonal skills; ability to build trust and influence hourly operators, team leaders, and salaried production managers.
• Strong "go-and-see" (Gemba) mindset, spending most of the day on the production floor.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Department Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Ford Production System (FPS).
• Directly partner with the production team on the shop floor to facilitate deep understanding, robust implementation, and disciplined execution of FPS standards, ensuring high-quality, safe, and efficient battery manufacturing operations.
• Serve as the go-to resource and technical authority on all FPS elements (including Standardized Work, 6S, Visual Management, Quick Changeover/SMED, Error Proofing, and Levelled Production).
• Work side-by-side with production supervisors, team leaders, and operators on the manufacturing line to physically deploy FPS tools.
• Transition theoretical FPS concepts into practical, daily operational habits.
• Partner with production to draft, optimize, and audit Standardized Work Sheets and Job Instruction Sheets for critical battery processes.
• Ensure strict adherence to prevent quality defects.
• Provide real-time, immediate coaching to production teams during daily operations.
• Help teams understand why FPS processes exist and how to execute them.
• Guide shop-floor teams through structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 5-Why, Fishbone, 8D) to resolve immediate production bottlenecks, scrap spikes, or equipment downtime.
• Plan, facilitate, and execute shop-floor Kaizen events directly with the production operators to eliminate waste, improve ergonomics, and optimize line balancing.
• Conduct regular, detailed audits of production zones against FPS standards.
• Collaborate with production leadership to develop and execute recovery plans for any identified gaps.
• Confirm the right application of the visual management standards in the workstation.

Benefits

• performance-based bonuses
• Ford vehicle discounts
• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care 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