STA Site Engineer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

5d • $84,480 - $162,120 • Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for an experienced candidate to join our STA organization with effective communication, technical knowledge, project management, manufacturing, and process quality expertise in component parts production for Body Exterior commodities. As a Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) engineer specializing in Exterior, you will be responsible for industrializing and managing "Quality" and "Capacity" of Exterior commodities at Tier 1 supplier sites — including injection molding, Blow molding, low-pressure molding, thermoforming, and final assembly operations — on new model program launches and in-series production. In this position, you will drive supplier manufacturing excellence, flawless program launches, and capacity assurance across assigned commodities. The role ensures supplier parts meet stringent quality, design, and rate requirements from pre-sourcing through mass production. The candidate will work collaboratively within Ford and multiple supplier partners to launch Vehicle systems and commodities including body exterior and interior, vehicle and battery stampings and structures, frames, underbody, powertrain, and electrical for both Battery Electric (BEV) and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles for Ford Blue and Model-e programs. The candidate will be responsible for industrializing and managing Quality, Capacity and resolving production delivery issues for new model programs launches and “in-series” production programs. Depending on your assigned supplier site locations, flexibility to travel within US/Canada and Mexico is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science/Engineering or academic equivalent
• Manufacturing and/or Program Management experience in an industrial operations environment.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes(es), tooling, and assembly of the responsible vehicle system & component commodities: body exterior and interior Class A trim and badging, vehicle and battery stampings and structures (Steel and Aluminum), frames, underbody, powertrain, and electrical assembly
• Experience with Tooling, Assembly, Stamping, welding, metal/plastic joining technologies, Injection Molding, Electronics Mfg., Painting, and/or Machining is desired
• Functional expertise in Problem Solving, Quality systems (ex. SIM, IATF) and tools
• Supply/Issue Resolution Management Experience
• Proficiency in English, both written and oral when working with global teams
• Flexibility to Travel

Nice To Haves

• Advanced knowledge of the electronics manufacturing process with hands-on experience
• Six Sigma Black Belt Certification: Demonstrated ability to lead quality improvements initiatives, apply Six Sigma philosophies and principles (including the DMAIC Model)
• Conducted Statistical Analysis and mentored other engineers
• Experience mentoring internal teams of Supplier Quality Engineers
• Experience Industrializing NEW Automotive Electronics Manufacturing suppliers in North America (Greenfield Sites) leading to on-time PPAP approval.
• Experience in Ford's Phased PPAP and APQP Process and Deliverables
• Experience using AI in problem solving cases

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier launch readiness per Global Product Development System (GPDS) milestones to achieve flawless launches and on-time “date to green” targets and optimized part pedigree.
• Review and approve supplier capital, tooling work plans, and end-item compliance through rigorous PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) and Run-at-Rate evaluations.
• Conduct onsite technical assessments and manufacturing feasibility evaluations for new sourcing and program integration.
• Enforce robust defect prevention by driving, reviewing and approving PFMEAs, Control Plans, SCCAFs, Special Manufacturing Process Assessments, Manufacturing Health Charts and implementation of robust process controls.
• Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles to verify part print feasibility, datum structures, measurement systems (Gage R&R), and process capability (SPC).
• Drive supplier adherence to special process requirements with Ford Technical Specialists and lead Q1-Manufacturing Site Assessments (Q1-MSA) for continuous site improvement.
• Lead supplier process quality containment and permanent corrective actions for critical issues (QR, Stop Ship/Build, BSAQ, Field Actions).
• Champion structured Problem-Solving methodologies (Global 8D, A3, 5-Why, Drill Down) to identify true root causes, implement robust error-proofing, and migration of prevent recurrence which delivers measurable defect reduction (QR, PPM, TGW, R/1000, CPU, Warranty).
• Partner with cross-functional teams to establish and monitor Continuous Improvement Action Plans (CIAPs).
• Interface with Purchasing to conduct Global Capacity Planning (GCP) studies and validate supplier Capacity Analysis Reports (eCAR).
• Identify production bottlenecks, de-risk manufacturing constraints, and oversee recovery plans for constrained supplier operations to ensure quality and production attainment.

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