Ergonomics, Industrial Design Engineer

Job ID: 71991
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Category: Health and Safety

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At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move.

Job Type: Full time
Work Type: On-site

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In this position...
Ford Motor Company is seeking a Plant Ergonomist to provide technical ergonomics leadership at Chicago Assembly Plant. This position partners with Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Safety, Medical, Labor Affairs, Material Planning & Logistics, and plant leadership to identify, assess, and reduce ergonomic risk across manufacturing operations.

The Plant Ergonomist is responsible for supporting employee well-being, improving workstation design, reducing musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk, supporting new model launches, workstation readiness, medical data analysis, rebalance, and driving continuous improvement through application of Ford ergonomics standards, analytics, and assessment tools. The successful candidate will serve as the plant subject matter expert for ergonomics and lead proactive and reactive risk reduction activities across all operating areas.

What you'll do...

Ergonomics Program Leadership
- Work cooperatively with Plant Ergonomics Program.
- Chair, facilitate, and be an active member of the the Local Ergonomics Committee (LEC).
- Assist in developing and supporting annual ergonomics objectives and monitor performance metrics.
- Provide regular ergonomics updates to plant leadership and staff organizations.
- Track ergonomic issues and corrective actions through issue closure utilizing ErgoRX2.0.
Risk Assessment and Issue Resolution
- Conduct ergonomic assessments using Ford-approved tools and methodologies.
- Analyze injury, medical referral, and first-time office visit data to identify trends and high-risk workstations.
- Work with LEC team to investigate ergonomics-related concerns and develop corrective actions.
- Collaborate with production supervisors, operators, UAW representatives, and medical personnel to resolve workplace concerns.
- Validate effectiveness of implemented ergonomic improvements.
Manufacturing and Launch Support
- Support Manufacturing Engineering and Industrial Engineering in workstation, tooling, and equipment design reviews.
- Participate in virtual builds, process reviews, workstation readiness reviews, and launch activities.
- Review facility, tooling, and equipment installations to verify compliance with Ford ergonomics requirements.
- Work with hourly and salaried LEC team members to provide ergonomics input during line rebalances, process changes, and capacity improvements.
- Support ergonomics readiness for new product launches and major facility modifications.
- Provide leadership within the LEC to deliver ergonomics within our Quality Operating System requirements.
- Collaborate with Plant Vehicle Teams to generate facility & tooling costs, improve quality, and support rebalances.
- Evaluate tooling, workstations, and MP&L delivery methods for ergonomic compliance. In addition, support tooling, racking, and other buyoffs at vendor facilities.
- Identify “Ergonomic High Hurts" from New Model launches and implement Prevent Reoccurrence Actions into future programs.
Data Analytics and Technology
- Utilize Ford-approved ergonomics assessment and simulation tools to identify and prioritize risks.
- Leverage technologies such as Inseer, Teamcenter, Process Simulate Human, JACK, NIOSH, Liberty Mutual, and other approved assessment methods.
- Analyze ergonomic data and develop recommendations for risk reduction and operational improvement.
- Support implementation of emerging technologies and digital ergonomics solutions.
Training and Employee Engagement
- Develop and deliver ergonomics awareness training for salaried and hourly employees to develop Ergonomics Activators.
- Promote employee reporting and participation in ergonomics improvement activities.
- Work with LEC members to develop and maintain a plant ergonomics dojo.
- Work with LEC members, the safety team, and the communications team to develop and maintain an ergonomics campaign.
- Support employee onboarding and ergonomic awareness initiatives.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and employee well-being through ergonomic design.
- Benchmark best practices across Ford manufacturing operations.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence activities.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to sustain ergonomic improvements.
- Lead workstation readiness reviews at all relevant workstations and lead the digital assessment process

You'll have...

Bachelor's degree in Ergonomics, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Human Factors, Kinesiology, Occupational Health, Safety, or related field.
Minimum three years of experience in ergonomics, manufacturing engineering, safety, industrial engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Experience conducting ergonomic assessments and implementing workplace improvements.
Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence stakeholders.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and data analysis tools.

Even better, you may have...

Master's degree in Ergonomics, Human Factors, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Kinesiology, or related field.
Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) or equivalent certification.
Automotive manufacturing experience.
Experience supporting new model launch activities.
Experience using ergonomics simulation and digital human modeling tools.
Familiarity with Ford manufacturing systems, ergonomics processes, and injury prevention programs.
Work Environment
- This position is primarily plant-based and requires frequent presence on the manufacturing floor.
- Regular walking, climbing, and workstation observation are required.
- Occasional travel may be required to support benchmarking, training, or launch activities.
- Must be able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

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 a salary grade 7 and ranges from $86,600-$144,900.

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.

Internal applicants: moving into this role may result in an adjustment to your current compensation based on the posted pay range for this role, taking into consideration your qualifications and other relevant factors.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR

Visa sponsorship is not 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.

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Change the world with your ideas.

Speak up. We’re listening. At Ford, we believe the right ideas, and the people behind them, can move an entire industry. Here, you'll work with teams who value your voice, push bold ideas forward, and leave a mark that lasts.

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Support designed to go the distance.

From day one, Ford invests in you with medical benefits built to help you plan for what’s next. You’ll also get support for you and your family that meets you at every step, so you can move forward with confidence.

Health and Wellness

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, mental health, and unique wellness perks keep you and your family supported every step of the way.
Financial and Retirement Programs

Build a strong financial future with robust retirement contributions, savings programs, and free personalized financial planning tools.
Flexible Vacation and Holidays

Enjoy your time away from work with generous vacation, holidays, and flexible family leave designed to help you balance life and work with ease.
Vehicle Discount Program

The best thing about building great products is driving them! The second-best thing: sharing your discount with family and friends so they can drive them, too.
Family Growth and Support

Grow your family confidently with fertility, surrogacy, and adoption assistance, paid parental leave, and a supportive new-parent ramp-up program.
Additional Programs

Enjoy unexpected extras like pet insurance, legal services, identity protection, and access to convenient health and wellness services.

Ford gives me the space to innovate, to lead, and to serve — all while staying true to who I am as an engineer, educator, and parent. It’s not just a career; it’s a community that drives change.

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Ergonomics, Industrial Design Engineer

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Change the world with your ideas.

Support designed to go the distance.

Health and Wellness

Financial and Retirement Programs

Flexible Vacation and Holidays

Vehicle Discount Program

Family Growth and Support

Additional Programs

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