Vehicle Manufacturing Engineer (VME)

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

As part of our Manufacturing team, you’ll help build the world-class, state-of-the-art smart vehicles we're known for. In our plants around the world, we’re constantly developing new technologies and processes to further increase our efficiency. You'll get the satisfaction of making great products people use and love.

In this position... 

Manufacturing Engineer — Vehicle Manufacturing Engineering (VME), Final Assembly Engineering (FAE), Quality/PVT (Plant Vehicle Team)

Seeking a candidate for an opening as a Vehicle Manufacturing Engineering (VME) Final Assembly Engineering (FAE) Quality/PVT (Plant Vehicle Team) Engineer. This is a hands-on engineering role: approximately 70-75% of the position's time is spent performing direct engineering and operational tasks — root cause analysis, tooling and fixture design, error-proofing (poka-yoke) development, process/layout redesign, in-plant trials, and technical documentation — with the remaining time spent on cross-functional coordination and reporting of that engineering work.

VME FAE is the engineering lead for current model process/manufacturing issues at our assembly plants (excluding those that are plant/operator/maintenance controllable). This role is directly responsible for diagnosing current model quality concerns (reducing R/1000), executing engineering scope for minor programs and running changes at assembly plants, and designing and implementing tools/technologies/error-proofing solutions to resolve process/manufacturing related issues.

The employee will personally contribute to the engineering design solution of current model quality issues, including but not limited to:

• Tooling and fixture design and modification
• Error-proofing/poka-yoke system design and validation
• Process change development (work instructions, cycle time/line balance, ergonomic and workstation layout)
• Manufacturing layout improvements (equipment placement, material flow, station design)

Engineering knowledge/skills required:

• Application of root cause analysis methodologies (e.g., 5-Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa, 8D) to diagnose manufacturing and quality issues at the process level
• Working knowledge of tooling and fixture design principles, GD&T, and manufacturing feasibility assessment
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, PFMEAs, and control plans, and to author engineering change requests/ECNs
• Statistical/data analysis skills (e.g., use of VRT health chart data, SPC concepts) to identify and prioritize engineering corrective actions
• Understanding of assembly process engineering, error-proofing device design, and validation/prove-out methods
• Familiarity with Six Sigma/DMAIC or equivalent structured problem-solving methodology as applied to manufacturing process design

What you'll do (engineering/operational — approx. 70-75%)...

• Perform data-driven and plant floor engineering analysis of current model quality concerns and process/manufacturing issues to identify root cause
• Design, develop, and validate Interim Containment Actions (ICAs), Permanent Corrective Actions (PCAs), and Prevent Recurrence Actions (PRAs), including engineering drawings/specifications where applicable
• Design and implement tools, technologies, and error-proofing devices to resolve process/manufacturing issues, including specification, sourcing input, and plant floor validation
• Execute engineering scope for minor programs and running changes at assembly plants, including assessing manufacturing feasibility, estimating facility and tooling costs, updating engineering concerns/ECNs, and preparing purchase order technical specifications
• Perform in-plant trials and engineering prove-out associated with engineering concerns, MCR actions, alerts, and PSOs
• Develop and update GSPAS, PFMEA, and control plan documentation; conduct delta audits and GERT investigations tied to current model programs
• Analyze VRT health chart data to prioritize and scope engineering response actions that drive the largest R/1000 reductions
• Provide engineering support for containment activities on stop ships and incoming quality issues

What you'll do (coordination/reporting — approx. 25-30%)...

• Coordinate engineering activities with Plant Engineering, Product Development, Vehicle Program Engineers, Quality Offices, STA, VME FAE Core, and Manufacturing Program Teams
• Engage subject matter experts and engineers across teams to support technical resolution of quality issues
• Report on engineering findings and corrective action status to leadership and at VRT functions
• Provide engineering input at daily quality meetings, weekly regional meetings, plant VQRs, and warranty binning meetings

You'll have...

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (required)
• 5+ years' experience in automotive manufacturing engineering, with direct experience in tooling design, error-proofing, process engineering, or manufacturing layout
• 3+ years' experience in a launch and/or operations engineering capacity, performing hands-on process/tooling design and validation work

Even better, you may have...

• Six Sigma Black Belt (preferred)

Must be open to travel as needed to support North American Assembly Plants and the FAE engineering team members stationed at these plants.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage

• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more

• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, 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. 

This position is leadership level 6 and ranges from $132,800-$250,800. 

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: New Hire Benefits

Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.