Heat Treatment Manufacturing Engineer (Ohio)

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This position provides an exciting opportunity to specify, procure, qualify, and implement equipment and processes for heat treatment and metallurgical processing (carburizing, vacuum carburizing, induction hardening, shot peening, laser welding, and automation) applied to gears and transmission / axle components. The role owns the full equipment lifecycle — from specification through installation and start-up — ensuring manufacturing feasibility, robust process design, and achievement of program cost, quality, and delivery targets.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical, Materials, Mechanical, Industrial/Production Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years in manufacturing engineering, including metallurgical background.
• High-volume, ferrous-based metallurgical processing experience (heat treatment, welding, surface treatments).
• Proven track record leading equipment acquisition, installation, and commissioning projects.
• Experience in supplier / technical procurement (RFQ) and CAPEX budget / schedule control.
• Experience in a manufacturing plant environment.
• Heat treatment processes: continuous / batch furnaces, controlled atmospheres, carburizing, hardenability.
• Gear machining and metrology knowledge.
• Computer skills: AutoCAD, Word, Excel, Minitab, statistical tools.
• Strong written/verbal communication for executive audiences.
• Self-motivated, autonomous, with strong ownership of projects.
• Excellent planning and organization; able to manage multiple work streams.
• Analytical, data-driven, proactive problem solver.
• Effective in cross-functional, multicultural teams.
• Willing to travel during installation/commissioning phases.

Nice To Haves

• Vacuum carburizing experience is a plus.
• ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 familiarity.
• Automotive or powertrain/battery manufacturing experience.
• Materials Science (ferrous-based) or Mechanical Engineering background with metallurgical processing exposure.

Responsibilities

• Specify, procure, and qualify equipment / tooling for metallurgical processing (carburizing, vacuum, induction hardening, shot peening, laser welding, automation).
• Implement qualified machines and processes into manufacturing systems at powertrain plants.
• Drive continuous improvement and adoption of new technologies, materials, and methods in heat treatment.
• Lead the equipment acquisition process end-to-end: technical specification (RFQ), supplier evaluation / selection, and Purchase Requisitions — in partnership with Purchasing.
• Own full equipment delivery: design, supplier runoff, shipment, installation, commissioning, and start-up (power-on) at production facilities.
• Manage supplier / integrator contracts, ensuring adherence to technical specs, deadlines, and safety requirements.
• Hold financial ownership of the project: cost estimates, checkbook control, and PO tracking within authorized budgets.
• Develop and manage timing plans, identifying deviations and driving recovery actions.
• Ensure complete supplier documentation (manuals, drawings, spare parts lists, maintenance plans).
• Support process documentation (flow charts, PFMEA, DCP, process sheets, gauging instructions, control charts).
• Apply Failure Mode Avoidance tools (PFMEA, Control Plan, SCCAF, Error Proofing) to mitigate program risks.
• Develop standardized engineering solutions, ensuring ergonomics, safety, productivity, and process compliance.
• Support operating strategies (plant layout, spare parts, visual factory, scrap disposal) to improve quality and reduce cost.
• Act as main interface between engineering, suppliers (OEMs), plants, maintenance, and internal areas (purchasing, quality, safety, facilities).
• Partner with cross-functional teams and product design to meet program cost, quality, and delivery targets.
• Escalate technical / program issues with significant cost, schedule, or scope impact.
• Coordinate manpower planning to ensure skilled trades availability for installation.
• Prepare and present status reports and executive updates on cost, schedule, and quality indicators.

Benefits

• 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