STA Launch Engineer

Ford Motor Company • Dearborn, MI

5h • $84,480 - $162,120 • Hybrid

About The 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
• Education Level: Associate degree