CNC Machining Engineer - Automotive Powertrain

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 role, the Machining Engineer will work with Powertrain Manufacturing, Product Development, and Suppliers to successfully develop and launch next-generation Powertrain processes. Successful candidates will have a proven record of working with cross-functional teams in the development and implementation of complex machining solutions.

The Machining Engineer will be required to apply their knowledge of machining methods as it applies to both internal combustion engine and E-motor manufacturing. In this role, the engineer will have a direct impact on the design and processing of powertrain components in current and future Ford products. A key component of this role involves serving as a Process Integrator, bridging the gap between theoretical design and plant-floor execution. This includes leading new technology development for tooling and processes within a controlled lab environment to ensure seamless transition to high-volume production. Ideal candidates must navigate and drive change in a complex internal environment, challenging the status quo as we define an all-new way of manufacturing vehicles.

Drive new process development requests, enabling a framework for cross-functional teams to create robust machining and assembly processes. Conduct analysis, provide interpretation, communicate, and document simulation results. Ensure manufacturing feasibility for assembly and machining process designs, resulting in parts that can be machined or assembled by standard and best practice methods in support of new Powertrain program product launches.

Additional responsibilities include:

• NC Code Development: Write, edit, and optimize NC code (G-code/M-code) to support the development of new machining cycles and specialized tooling applications.
• Plant Troubleshooting: Assist Ford manufacturing plants in resolving significant engineering issues and achieving continuous improvement for both new programs and current production.
• Lab-Based R&D: Lead the development and validation of innovative tooling and machining processes within a controlled lab environment before deployment to production facilities.
• Process Integration & Optimization: Act as a lead integrator to ensure lab-developed technologies are successfully implemented in plant operations; drive continuous optimization of existing plant processes to improve cycle time, quality, and tool life.
• Technical Support for PD: Provide technical support to Product Development (PD) Component Program Module Teams (CPMT's) and coordinate process design between Product Engineering, PTME, and external suppliers to assure ‘design for manufacturing feasibility.’
• DPA5 Support: Support the Digital Preassembly 5 (DPA5) process through the development of component Manufacturing Design Specifications (MDS) and Manufacturing Process Specifications (MPS).
• Simultaneous Engineering: Support simultaneous engineering and feasibility studies among product engineering, manufacturing engineering, and supplier organizations.
• Vibration Analysis: Support Machining Process engineers in data collection and analysis.
• Innovation: Evaluate innovative and disruptive emerging processes and material technologies for potential application to Ford products.
• Purchasing Support: Provide technical support to Purchasing involving the resolution of machining and assembly methods related to productivity and quality issues of external suppliers.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science/Engineering/Technology (Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Metallurgy, or Materials Science)
• 5+ years of experience with Machining, preferably for powertrain applications.
• Proven background as a CNC Machinist with hands-on experience in machine setup and operation.
• Proficiency in writing, debugging, and optimizing NC code for multi-axis CNC machines.
• Demonstrated experience in a controlled lab or R&D environment developing new tooling and machining technologies.
• Strong experience in process integration—transitioning technology from a development phase to a high-volume production environment.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Siemens and Bosch Rexroth Controller experience.
• Working level knowledge of Assembly Operations.
• Deep understanding of machining fundamentals: turning, boring, milling, drilling, reaming, and grinding.
• Proficient level of tooling, work-holding, and fixturing design.
• Knowledge of powertrain materials: steel, cast iron, CGI, and aluminum alloys.

Preferred Requirements:

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to present, persuade, and collaborate at all levels of the organization.
• Highly motivated self-starter capable of driving change and influencing engineering decisions, with or without authority.
• Proven track record of delivering major product launches in an automotive manufacturing facility.
• Ability to work in a production setting and aid in troubleshooting of supplier equipment and processes.
• Ability to travel both domestically and internationally.
  • Travel may be required from 25% up to 40% of time.
    • The lower end means working from home base (Dearborn) with minimum travel to Supplier/Vendors, Test facilities or out of state (of Michigan) Plants/Suppliers.

    • The higher end of travel means supporting implementation/launch teams on site at the out of state (of Michigan) Plants/Suppliers.  This could require traveling from ~3 months up to ~ 1 ½ years working on-site at a Plant.  Per HR guidelines, when supporting out of state you are allowed to travel home every other weekend.

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 range of salary grades 6-8 and ranges from $74,300-$166,200.
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: https://fordcareers.co/GSR

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Domestic relocation 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.

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. 

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