Quality Engineer, Ford Energy

Ford Motor•Glendale, KY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Ford Energy is a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company dedicated to accelerating U.S. energy independence. Leveraging Ford’s century of manufacturing excellence and world-class battery energy storage systems (BESS) technology, Ford Energy designs, manufactures, and services grid-scale and commercial DC battery energy storage systems (BESS). Ford Energy is uniquely positioned to capture the growing demand for reliable, US-built energy storage systems. We are not just building batteries; we are building the infrastructure for the next generation of the American grid. At Ford Energy, you have the backing of an industrial manufacturing powerhouse with the agility of a dedicated energy startup offering industry leading technology. We offer a competitive compensation package including performance-based bonuses, Ford vehicle discounts, and the opportunity to shape the energy strategy of one of the world's most iconic brands. As a Quality Engineer at our Glendale, Kentucky battery park, you will be at the forefront of the most historic transformation in the energy systems industry. In this critical role, you will: Lead with Purpose: Build and lead an agile team to deliver the advanced quality standards and technology that drive the future. Innovate: Use your entrepreneurial skills and team mindset to come up with data-driven solutions during the design, construction, and launch phases of a massive Greenfield manufacturing site. Empower Others: Create a culture of trust, encourage diversity of thought, and foster leadership in others to make quality a shared organizational responsibility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Industrial, or related field).
3+ years of manufacturing process or quality engineering experience in an automated manufacturing facility.
Working knowledge of statistics (control charts, data collection, GD&T), PFMEA, and 3D CAD review abilities (3D Experience, CATIA, or equivalent).
Strong understanding of industrial controls and automation.
Demonstrated ability to support and launch programs with a results-oriented mindset and strong project management skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering or an MBA.
Experience with advanced manufacturing technologies, including vision/camera systems, error-proofing (Poka-yoke) systems, and/or robotics.
Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification (DMAIC, DMADV/DFSS).
Expertise in 8D, 5-Why, FMEA, PPAP, DOEs, and Value Stream Mapping.
Demonstrated skills in print reading, tool layouts, gauging, and ergonomic analysis.
Prior experience in a facility start-up or new equipment commissioning.
Able to translate the evolving quality needs of the battery industry into actionable long-term continuous improvement strategies.
Ability to make rapid, data-driven quality decisions during facility constraints or critical equipment failures.
The resilience to lead through the ambiguity of a new site startup, supporting a 24/7 operation including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

Apply engineering principles and analytical techniques to drive continuous improvement in automated battery manufacturing processes.
Play an integral part in the Launch process by establishing and monitoring quality target levels at the workstation level for each build phase to validate workstation readiness.
Manage and direct Statistical Process Control (SPC) activities, utilizing control charts, data collection, and GD&T to minimize manufacturing variation.
Conduct process audits to ensure the production process adheres to strict guidelines, specific process standards, and environmental/quality compliance (including ISO 14001, ISO 9001, and IATF 16949).
Support efficiency planning to ensure workstations are properly set up with quality risks and failure modes (PFMEA) proactively identified and addressed.
Develop "Leaders as Teachers": Function as the leader and subject matter expert for your specified section of the production line.
Coordinate activities and drive improvements to achieve plant KPIs.
Embrace the Gemba Philosophy: Regularly engage on the production floor to act as the team leader in resolving assembly-related concerns and driving lean manufacturing initiatives.
Remove Barriers: Lead variability reduction, lean manufacturing best practices, and the development of solutions for throughput constraints.
Champion Transparency: Work cross-functionally with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, and Suppliers
Develop relevant KPIs and data visualizations to enable a clear, real-time understanding of actual vs. expected quality and process performance.
Lead the development of interim and permanent corrective actions to resolve quality and production issues using 8D methodology and structured problem-solving tools.
Provide robust change management leadership, ensuring all process, equipment, and product modifications are executed with zero impact on quality integrity.