STA Site Engineer

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Ford Motor Company is seeking an experienced Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) engineer specializing in Underbody commodities. The role is responsible for industrializing and managing quality and capacity at Tier 1 supplier sites, including machining, forming, press, casting, heat treat, and final assembly operations. The work covers new model program launches and in-series production, and includes collaboration with Ford teams and supplier partners on commodities such as steering, suspension, and transmission components.

The position supports supplier launches, manufacturing and capacity improvement, quality-system deployment, risk mitigation, and resolution of supplier process issues. It requires travel of up to 75%, with increased travel during program launches. The position is hybrid; candidates within commuting distance of a Ford hub may be required to work onsite four or more days per week.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or engineering degree, academic equivalent, or relevant manufacturing and quality experience.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes for Underbody and/or transmission commodities.
• Good understanding of capacity management for the stated Underbody commodities.
• Knowledge of problem solving, quality systems, and tools.
• Ability to travel up to 75% of the time, with increased travel required during program launches.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced knowledge of electronics manufacturing processes with hands-on experience.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification and demonstrated ability to lead quality-improvement initiatives and apply Six Sigma principles, including DMAIC.
• Experience conducting statistical analysis and mentoring other engineers.
• Experience mentoring internal teams of Supplier Quality Engineers.
• Experience with Ford's Phased PPAP and APQP processes and deliverables.
• Experience using AI in problem-solving cases.

Responsibilities

• Drive flawless launches at assigned supplier sites in collaboration with the Launch STA team, including Schedule A, PPAP, and supplier quality-issue resolution; promptly escalate significant issues and establish date-to-green plans.
• Conduct onsite evaluation visits for priority commodities according to the GPDS supplier engagement process for new programs.
• Support capacity studies with suppliers and Ford cross-functional teams.
• Review supplier incremental tooling work-plan compliance with PPAP requirements.
• Drive supplier capacity and uplift actions in line with GCP study requirements.
• Resolve supplier process-capacity issues and mitigate production-constraint risks with Ford and supplier teams; manage date-to-green plans.
• Monitor supply status of 24/7 roster suppliers and the Blue Bar status of PPAPs beyond implementation timing.
• Review supplier Capacity Analysis Reports for compliance with capacity requirements.
• Drive supplier failure-mode avoidance through PFMEA, SCCAF, CP reviews, manufacturing feasibility reviews, and health-chart deployment as applicable.
• Drive supplier manufacturing health-chart compliance and support development of new health charts.
• Drive supplier compliance with special-process requirements, with support from STA Technical Specialists.
• Promote continuous improvement in manufacturing excellence at assigned sites through Q1-MSA deployment, Q1 attainment and retention, health-chart deployment, and supplier training as required.
• Drive deployment and improvement of quality performance requirements, including Q1, QR, TGW, R/1000, and CPU, using methods such as reduction, benchmarking, lean manufacturing, G8D, PFMEA, SPC, and Gage R&R.
• Conduct new supplier site evaluations and Supplier Risk Assessments for new sourcing in support of GCST, identifying risk mitigation actions.
• Drive closure of supplier process quality issues related to Stop Ship/Build, BSAQ projects, and Field Action Stop Ship/Prevent Action.
• Drive compliance with organizational and corporate training requirements and SIM process requirements.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized backup child care.
• 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.
• Employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• 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