STA Launch Engineer

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

In this position, the STA Launch Engineer is responsible for managing supplier quality and launch readiness across the new-model development process. This position serves as a key connection between suppliers and Ford’s cross-functional program teams, ensuring that new and changed components meet quality, timing, capacity, and production-readiness requirements. The engineer drives APQP and Phased PPAP execution, monitors supplier deliverables, identifies and escalates launch risks, and facilitates action plans to support on-time PSW approval. The role also supports milestone reviews, supplier engagement activities, prototype and pre-production builds, and the resolution of supplier-related quality issues through structured problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration. Success in this position requires strong program management, communication, technical problem-solving, and the ability to lead multiple suppliers and stakeholders through critical launch milestones.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science/Engineering or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Be proficient in English when working with global teams
• Knowledge of STA Quality tools and systems
• Knowledge of new model launch tools and systems
• Ability to develop and present materials to leadership on short notice
• Ability to lead resolution of manufacturing, quality, and/or capacity issues on-site with suppliers
• Ability to travel in the US, Canada, and Mexico approximately 50-75% of the time

Nice To Haves

• Manufacturing and Quality Experience
• Cross-Functional/culture work experience
• Program management experience
• Extensive knowledge in manufacturing
• Knowledge of AIAG (APQP), Product Planning Approval Process (PPAP) and extensive use of Quality Tools (5 Why, 8D, etc)

Responsibilities

• Identify all the New Tooled End Items for the program including Multi-Party Agreements and directed tier 2 suppliers.
• Represent and be supplier advocate in Cross-Functional Meetings
• Develop program specific NTEI file containing pertinent part number information.
• Load and maintain program information in the eAPQP System( include late starters, design changes, VPP updates, etc)
• Obtain site codes for each NTEI from Program Purchasing to initiate eAPQP Schedule A submission requests.
• Lead Priority supplier selection using GPDS Priority filter, facilitate concurrence with PD (Product Development), Purchasing and Site STA (Supplier Technical Assistance) and notify suppliers
• Lead Supplier Champion Process supplier selection using Supplier Champion filter, facilitate concurrence with PD (Product Development), Purchasing and Site STA (Supplier Technical Assistance).
• Train suppliers and cross functional team members, as required, on the Supplier Engagement Process and the APQP/PPAP (Advanced Product Quality Planning/Production Part Approval Process) Readiness Assessment.
• Manage and track on-time completion of GPDS priority supplier team evaluations.
• Tracking PPAP and Schedule A (External Supplier APQP/PPAP Readiness Assessment) status and submission requirements to the Site STA Organization and Supply Base.
• Prepare standard documents for all Milestone Reviews, Special Attention Reviews (SAR) and OESAR / NML Assessment)
• Drive resolution of all YELLOW/RED deliverables with cross functional team members.
• Participate in PAT (Program Activity Team), PST (Program Steering Team) and PMT (Program Module Team) change control meetings.
• Collaborate with CPMT (Component Program Module Team) leaders and Purchasing Program managers to understand program related changes impacting launch.
• Support NMP Part Pedigree meetings and develop Parts Pedigree Risk and Industrialization Readiness Assessment prior to each build for review with STA leadership
• Aggressively manage and review Phased PPAP status and timing plans to deliver on time Phase PPAP approvals
• Arrange cross functional meetings to drive PPAP issues resolution and manage action plans to assure on time PSW approvals
• Proactively monitor, manage and escalate significant issues inhibiting Supplier PPAP/launch risks
• Drive on-time PPAP completion through OTG (Open-to-Go) meetings, PPAP timing alignment with eAPQP and communicate PSW status and delinquencies to Site STA and Program Team.
• Provide onsite STA Launch support for Build events (e.g. DCV (Design Completion Verification) builds, PCF / TCB (Part Coordinate Fixture/Trim Coordination Build), etc.)
• Drive resolution of supplier quality issues raised through AIMS (Automated Issues Management System).
• Lead containment, 8D follow up, ICA / PCA activity.
• In case of AIMS related to carry over parts engage Incoming Quality, Site or Resident STA engineers as necessary.
• Support Start up Meetings / FCPA (Ford Consumer Product Audit), VOCF (Voice of Customer Fleet), Campaign Prevention/Fresh Eyes, Craftsmanship, R202, DEMS, Hard Rocks, Shortage meetings, White Board reviews.

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