Manufacturing Engineer-Heat Treatment

Ford • Dearborn, MI

2d • $72,480 - $162,120 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for a Process Engineer to work on the specification, acquisition, qualification, and implementation of manufacturing machines, tools, and processes, with a focus on heat treatment and metallurgy (carburizing, induction hardening, shot peening, and laser welding) applied to gears and transmission/axle components. This professional will be responsible for leading, end-to-end, the equipment acquisition, installation, and start-up cycle, as well as ensuring manufacturing feasibility, process robustness, and adherence to program cost, quality, and timing targets.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical, Materials, Mechanical, Production, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Min of 5 years of experience in Manufacturing environment
• Experience in a manufacturing plant environment.
• Experience in supplier management, technical purchasing, and preparation of purchasing specifications (RFQ/ESWP).
• Experience in schedule management, budgeting, and financial control of capital (CAPEX) projects.
• Knowledge of complex technical drawing interpretation and its application.
• Knowledge of gear machining and metrology.
• Computer tools: AutoCAD, Word, Excel, Minitab.
• Knowledge of and experience with statistical tools.
• Knowledge of project management tools (MS Project, Gantt charts, tracking dashboards).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to structure clear and objective presentations for executive audiences.
• Self-motivated and autonomous professional, with a strong sense of ownership over the projects led.
• High planning and organizational capacity, with the ability to manage multiple work fronts simultaneously.
• Proactive attitude in identifying and solving problems, with analytical, data-driven thinking.
• Proven ability to accomplish tasks and objectives, with a strong drive to achieve quality results.
• Ease of interaction and team building across cross-functional and multicultural teams (engineering, purchasing, quality, safety, plants, suppliers).
• Willingness to learn new skills and availability to travel during critical equipment installation and commissioning phases.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Heat Treatment processes (continuous/batch furnaces, controlled atmospheres, carburizing, hardenability, TUS/SAT validations) will be considered a plus, but is not mandatory.
• Experience in high-volume ferrous metallurgical processing – including heat treatment, welding, and auxiliary surface treatments – combined with hands-on experience in tooling design for these processes.
• Experience with vacuum carburizing and pusher-type furnaces is a plus.
• Track record of leadership in manufacturing equipment acquisition, installation, and commissioning projects.
• Familiarity with quality management and compliance systems (ISO 9001 / IATF 16949).
• Prior experience in the automotive or powertrain/battery manufacturing industry.
• Additional education in Materials Science (ferrous-based preferred) or Mechanical Engineering with experience in metallurgical processing.

Responsibilities

• Lead/support the specification and acquisition of equipment, alloys, carts, automation, and related components for metallurgical processing (carburizing, induction hardening, shot peening, and laser welding).
• Qualify machines, tools, and processes using FORD tools and statistical methods, among others, implementing equipment within Powertrain plant manufacturing systems.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, implementation of lessons learned, and development of new technologies, materials, and methods related to heat treatment and related processes.
• Apply knowledge of complex technical drawing interpretation (print reading).
• Lead, end-to-end, the equipment acquisition process: technical specification (RFQ / SOW), requirements gathering, supplier evaluation and selection, and issuance of purchase requisitions.
• Conduct the purchasing process in partnership with the Purchasing department, ensuring adherence to sourcing strategies and internal quality and engineering requirements.
• Own the complete equipment delivery lifecycle: design development and approval, virtual simulations, runoff and supplier approval, shipping, installation through final anchoring, commissioning, capability studies, and start-up (power-on) at production plants, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Manage contracts with suppliers, integrators, and service providers, ensuring adherence to technical specifications, deadlines, and safety requirements.
• Take full financial ownership of the project: prepare cost estimates, control the project checkbook and authorized budgets for installations and tooling, track PO authorizations and future commitments, and document all equipment acquisition expenses.
• Develop and manage timing plans, identify deviations, and lead recovery actions when necessary.
• Ensure complete supplier documentation (manuals, installation drawings, spare parts lists, preventive maintenance plans, among others).
• Produce process documentation, including flowcharts, process illustrations, PFMEA, DCP, process sheets, visual aids, gauging instructions, and control charts, among others.
• Apply failure prevention tools (PFMEA, Control Plan, SCCAF, Error Proofing) to mitigate risks in new programs/equipment.
• Develop and implement standardized engineering solutions for equipment, with responsibility for ergonomics, safety, productivity, and process compliance.
• Document the results of engineering studies, development tests, and process improvement projects, contributing to organizational standards and lessons learned.
• Participate in the development of operational strategies such as plant layout, machine spare parts, visual factory, and scrap identification/evaluation/disposal, aiming to improve quality and reduce costs.
• Act as the main interface between engineering teams, suppliers (OEMs), plants, maintenance, and other internal areas (purchasing, quality, safety, facilities).
• Work in cross-functional teams to achieve program cost, quality, and timing targets, together with the product design team to ensure manufacturing feasibility and process robustness.
• Lead the resolution of technical and program issues, escalating to leadership when there is a significant impact on cost, timing, equipment availability, or scope.
• Coordinate labor planning, ensuring the availability of skilled labor when required for installation.
• Prepare and present status reports, program review presentations, and executive presentations to senior leadership.
• Lead/participate in project follow-up meetings, clearly and objectively reporting risks, opportunities, and task completion status, including cost, timing, 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