Process Automation Technology Leader

Ford • Redford Charter Twp, MI,US

16h • $115,500 - $218,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Process Automation Technology Leader is a People Leader within Ford’s Process Development Operations Team (PDOT), part of the Advanced Industrial Technology and Platforms (ATP) organization. The role leads development of innovative, Ford-first process automation manufacturing technologies for deployment and scaling across Ford’s global manufacturing facilities. The focus is Powertrain Propulsion Manufacturing Systems, including eMotor Assembly Systems and Battery Pack Assembly Systems, aligned with Product Design and Global Manufacturing Engineering strategies.

The leader serves as a subject matter expert and leads engineers developing new manufacturing technologies, processes, tooling, equipment, and engineering standards. The role shapes technology roadmaps, develops team capability, coordinates internal and external partners, oversees prototype development and project portfolios, and supports implementation and replication of technologies across manufacturing sites. The posting describes the position as requiring substantial onsite work at the Manufacturing Technology Development Center in Redford, Michigan; it also states that the position is hybrid with an onsite requirement of four or more days per week.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Foundational education and experience in EV Product Design and associated Manufacturing Systems.
• Knowledge of existing, new, and emerging process automation manufacturing technologies in EV manufacturing.
• At least 10 years of experience developing and delivering process automation application solutions.
• Exceptional project management, multitasking, and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a dynamic, collaborative team setting.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey engineering and technical information clearly.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite of applications and tools.

Nice To Haves

• Master of Science degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated capability in process automation within EV manufacturing, with a proven record of delivering manufacturing process automation solutions into production.
• Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment focused on production-related process automation.
• Knowledge of specialized EV production processes and their associated automation manufacturing technology.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience, with demonstrated ability to lead highly skilled technical teams.
• Ability to lead internal and external cross-functional teams in a creative, dynamic, and innovative environment.
• Familiarity with new program planning, implementation, launch deliverables, and plant support requirements.
• Experience interacting with senior leadership teams across Manufacturing, Product Design, and plant sites.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert in process automation manufacturing technologies and EV manufacturing commodities, including eMotor Assembly Systems and Battery Pack Assembly Systems.
• Lead a team of engineers developing process automation technology solutions to improve the cost, quality, and efficiency of automation systems deployed globally.
• Design EV manufacturing processes for eMotor and Battery Pack Assembly Systems and incorporate them into Bill of Process standards for replication by Manufacturing Skill Teams.
• Build and develop a motivated team, including personnel development and succession planning, while promoting Ford OS Behaviors: Excellence, Focus, and Collaboration.
• Collaborate with Product Design and Global Manufacturing Engineering Skill Teams to identify, define, and prioritize technology development initiatives aligned with global manufacturing objectives.
• Establish and update Process Development Operations manufacturing technology roadmaps and drive development through to implementation.
• Benchmark emerging technologies, follow industry trends, and establish supplier partnerships to deliver new manufacturing technology solutions.
• Coordinate internal and external cross-functional teams through ideation, concept generation, design, build, and testing of prototype tooling and equipment.
• Manage manufacturing technology development project portfolio administration, including budget forecasts, funding submissions, and project financial accounting.
• Assess technology maturity, ensure delivery of system performance, and apply project management skills to meet implementation timing.
• Develop manufacturing technology and establish technical core competencies within ATP, focusing on process automation systems and subsystems.
• Participate in mentoring, coaching, and learning cascade activities, and promote a manufacturing technology innovation culture across the enterprise.
• Cascade and upload core technology documentation to information-sharing sites to support knowledge transfer and technology replication across manufacturing sites.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• 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.
• Established and active employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• Generous vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager