Optimization Engineering Manager (Vehicle Assembly)

Ford • Chicago, IL

1d • $138,240 - $261,720 • Onsite

About The Position

The Optimization Engineering Manager will serve as the strategic architect of the plant’s technical and operational efficiency. This role is responsible for driving the Maintenance Operating System (MOS) across all production departments, optimizing plant throughput via constraint management, and leading the Industrial Engineering team to ensure lean manpower distribution. The position acts as the central point for capital investment, bridging the gap between local area engineering needs and long-term plant investment strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial).
• 10+ years of engineering leadership in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Deep understanding of Maintenance Operating System and Final Assembly logistics.
• Proven ability to manage multi-million-dollar CAPEX budgets and calculate ROI/NPV for engineering projects.
• Proficiency in Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), Constraint Management software, and Lean Manufacturing principles (TPS/Six Sigma).
• Experience leading large-scale facility installations or vehicle launches.
• Ability to lead and align managers who do not have a direct reporting line to you.
• A "servant leader" mentality focused on developing the technical skills of maintenance and IE staff.
• Ability to balance the competing needs of different production areas (Body vs. Paint vs. Final) for limited capital and manpower resources.

Nice To Haves

• An MBA or Master’s in Engineering Management is preferred.
• Experience in automotive assembly is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach the Maintenance Operating System (MOS) across Body, Paint, Final Assembly, and Facilities to ensure standardized practices.
• Drive Predictive and Preventive Maintenance (PdM/PM) programs to reduce unplanned downtime and improve Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF).
• Oversee the plant’s physical infrastructure, utilities, and environmental systems to ensure 100% uptime and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as the plant lead for the Constraint Management Process, identifying and resolving bottlenecks that limit Jobs Per Hour (JPH).
• Analyze Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) data to prioritize engineering resources toward the highest-impact areas.
• Lead cross-functional "War Room" sessions to address systemic throughput issues.
• Lead and mentor the Industrial Engineering (IE) department.
• Direct manpower allocation and distribution studies to ensure the plant meets labor productivity targets.
• Oversee the development of standardized work and time studies (e.g., MODAPTS) to balance lines and optimize headcount.
• Responsible for requesting, securing, and coordinating Capital Investment projects. Develop business cases for new equipment and technology.
• Provide functional direction to Area ME Managers (Body, Paint, Final). While they report locally to production, you ensure their projects align with plant-wide capital strategy and engineering standards.
• Coordinate with the Product Development teams to ensure the facility is prepared for new vehicle programs and model year changes.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare 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: Manager