Material Flow Coordinator

Ford Motor • Sterling Heights, MI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

In this position, the Material Flow Engineer serves as the architect of internal logistics. Operating at the intersection of Industrial Engineering and Supply Chain Management, this position applies Lean Manufacturing principles to create seamless material transitions. You will analyze complex data sets to develop flow patterns, design warehouse and line-side layouts, and select the appropriate material handling equipment. A successful candidate will drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce "dock-to-dish" time, eliminate bottlenecks, and support the integration of new product launches into existing manufacturing environments.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in a high-volume manufacturing or complex distribution environment (automotive experience is highly preferred).
• High School Diploma or GED
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar 2D/3D modeling software.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Alteryx, or Power BI).
• Strong analytical problem-solving abilities, excellent project management skills, and the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to spend significant time on the manufacturing floor and manage equipment installation projects.

Nice To Haves

• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, industrial engineering, or a related field
• Advanced proficiency in ERP and MRP software systems
• Familiarity with discrete event simulation software (e.g., FlexSim, Arena) is a plus.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and practices is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed facility layouts using AutoCAD to optimize storage density, picking paths, and material delivery routes.
• Create and manage the "Plan for Every Part" (PFEP) database, defining specific storage locations, container quantities, and replenishment methods for thousands of SKUs.
• Design and deploy Lean logistics tools, including Kanban systems, Just-in-Time (JIT) delivery, and sequenced parts feeding.
• Identify, justify, and procure material handling equipment such as racking systems, tuggers, forklifts, and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs).
• Conduct time studies and value stream mapping to identify inefficiencies in material handling and implement corrective actions.
• Partner with Packaging Engineering to ensure container designs are compatible with line-side space constraints and ergonomic requirements.
• Lead logistics workstreams for new vehicle programs, ensuring all material flow infrastructure is validated and ready for Job 1.
• Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as floor space utilization, equipment uptime, and labor efficiency to drive data-driven decision-making.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare 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
• Education Level: High school or GED