Launch Process Engineer

Ford Motor Company • Dearborn, MI

6d • $63,480 - $162,120 • Hybrid

About The Position

As part of Ford’s Manufacturing team, the Launch Process Engineer specifies, designs, validates, runs off, installs, and launches new and existing machining systems that produce engine and transmission components, including cylinder heads, cylinder blocks, transmission cases, and other primarily aluminum components. The role works with a team of engineers and regularly interacts with plant operations personnel and suppliers. It is responsible for process elements including tooling, gauging, and process documentation.

The position supports high-volume manufacturing and new-model launches by coordinating with Product Development and cross-functional teams, assessing design feasibility, resolving manufacturing and launch issues, and leading tooling installation and commissioning. It also supports departmental safety, quality, delivery, cost, people, morale, environment, and innovation initiatives.

This is a hybrid position. Candidates within commuting distance of a Ford hub location may be required to work onsite four or more days per week. Extended travel to support launch programs is required. Visa sponsorship is available. The stated salary range is $63,480–$162,120, with final salary grade and pay based on skills, experience, job scope, responsibility, and market value.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• At least 1 year of relevant manufacturing experience.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to support launch programs while traveling for extended periods.
• Strong project management skills and a results-oriented mindset.
• Strong computer skills, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• 3D CAD review abilities using Teamcenter, VisMockup, CATIA, or equivalent.
• Understanding of PFMEA and failure mode avoidance principles.
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work in stressful situations within timing constraints.
• Ability to work with minimal direct supervision.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of statistics, including control charts, data collection, and GD&T.
• Knowledge of Ford software systems: AVBOM, WERS, GSPAS/APT, Teamcenter, E2KS, AIM, and CPARS.
• Automotive Manufacturing Engineering experience is preferred but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Deliver Manufacturing Delivery Quality Operating System requirements for the assigned subsystem.
• Collaborate with Product Development to generate facility and tooling costs, improve quality, and reduce labor requirements.
• Use virtual tools to evaluate the feasibility of new-model designs for high-volume manufacturing operations.
• Write, modify, and maintain process sheets and deliver updated Cycle Line Layouts.
• Lead the identification, resolution, and closure of Assembly and Machining feasibility issues.
• Create and follow a master schedule for the design, build, and implementation of tools in the assigned subsystem.
• Lead machining and tooling installation, start-up, and commissioning at the manufacturing site, and support tooling buyoffs at vendor facilities.
• Lead the identification, resolution, and closure of launch product and tooling issues.
• Develop lessons learned from new-model launches and implement actions to prevent recurrence in future programs.
• Support Department Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People, Morale, Environment, and Innovation (SQDCPMEI) initiatives.
• Interface with cross-functional teams, including Product Development, Supplier Technical Assistance, Material Planning & Logistics, and New Model Programs.
• Specify, design, validate, run off, install, and launch machining systems; manage process elements including tooling, gauging, and process documentation.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up child care.
• 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: Entry Level