Manufacturing Engineer-Heat Treatment

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters. As part of our Manufacturing team, you’ll help build the world-class, state-of-the-art smart vehicles we're known for. In our plants around the world, we’re constantly developing new technologies and processes to further increase our efficiency. You'll get the satisfaction of making great products people use and love. 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