Launch Process Engineer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

6d • $63,480 - $162,120 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Launch Process Engineer is responsible for specifying, designing, validating, running off, installing, and launching new and existing machining systems used to produce engine and transmission components, including aluminum cylinder heads, cylinder blocks, and transmission cases. The engineer works with a team, regularly interacts with plant operations personnel and suppliers, and owns process elements such as tooling, gauging, and process documentation.

The role delivers Manufacturing Delivery Quality Operating System requirements for its subsystem and collaborates with Product Development to develop facility and tooling costs, improve quality, and reduce labor requirements. It uses virtual tools to assess whether new-model designs can be manufactured in high-volume operations, maintains process sheets and cycle line layouts, and leads feasibility and launch issue resolution. The engineer develops and follows schedules for tool design, construction, and implementation; leads machining and tooling installation, startup, and commissioning at manufacturing sites; and supports vendor tool buyoffs. The position also captures lessons learned from new-model launches and applies preventive actions to future programs, supports department SQDCPMEI initiatives, and interfaces with cross-functional teams.

The position is hybrid. Candidates within commuting distance of a Ford hub may be required to work onsite four or more days per week. Extended travel to support launch programs is required. Salary grade is 5–8, with a stated range of $63,480–$162,120; final grade and salary depend on skills, experience, job scope, responsibility, and market value. Visa sponsorship is available. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

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 on extended travel.
• 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, written communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to operate in stressful situations within timing constraints.
• Ability to work with minimal direct supervision.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

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 identification, resolution, and closure of Assembly and Machining feasibility issues.
• Create and follow a master schedule for design, build, and implementation of tools in the subsystem.
• Lead machining and tooling installation, startup, and commissioning at manufacturing sites, and support tooling buyoffs at vendor facilities.
• Lead identification, resolution, and closure of launch product and tooling issues.
• Develop lessons learned from new-model launches and implement preventive actions in future programs.
• Support department Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People, Morale, Environment, and Innovation (SQDCPMEI) initiatives.
• Interface with Product Development, Supplier Technical Assistance, Material Planning & Logistics, and New Model Programs.
• Specify, design, validate, run off, install, and launch machining systems for engine and transmission components.
• Manage process elements including tooling, gauging, and overall 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 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: Entry Level