VME Body Program Implementation Leader

Job ID: 69461
Location: Dearborn, Michigan
Category: Manufacturing

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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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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...

Timing (Subject to Change):

Program Timing: Current through CY ‘29
Product / Manufacturing Development Current through CY’27
Implementation Timing: March ‘28 -> May ’29

Location(s)

Product / Manufacturing Development will be located primarily at home location in South Eastern Michigan (Product Development Center – PDC) located off Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn Mi
Tooling Design Phase will require travel to SE Michigan local Suppliers
This position is targeted for intra regional implementation at Ford Louisville Assembly Plant (LAP).

Core Responsibilities

Lead Team of Core Manufacturing Engineers in Planning / Execution phases of new model program(s)
Accelerates process needs into overall strategy plan to support Plant requirements, integrate teams for collaboration and track open issue resolution
Deliver Body Facility, Tooling and Quality Systems and Launch new model programs

What you'll do...

Core Responsibilities
•    Lead Team of Core Manufacturing Engineers in Planning / Execution phases of new model program(s)
•    Accelerates process needs into overall strategy plan to support Plant requirements, integrate teams for collaboration and track open issue resolution
•    Deliver Body Facility, Tooling and Quality Systems and Launch new model programs

Safety:

•    No safety or ergonomic red issues
•    Protag process adhered to including but not limited to ECPL Placarding complete, signed-off and in place. Led and achieve Protag pink and yellow for tooling, on time and on first attempt. Ensure protag completion to support build/installation timing.
•    Drive safety through weekly discussion with launch support team
•    Eliminate all level 9 and 10 severity PFMEA issues
•    Ensure safety and ergo sign-off at 100% Design and tooling buy-off (Assembly Ergonomic Tooling (MHS) checklist; VOSS 1.6.3)
•    Ensure no LTCR for construction and no serious injuries at all plants.
•    Complete pre-task risk assessments prior to tool and facility installs.
•    Resolve all ergonomics issues prior to PP.
•    Assess and drive compliance for all safety and ergonomics DPA checks.
•    Ensure tool designs address all safety and ergonomic issues
•    Obtain signoff of ergonomics evidence book for tool buyoff

Quality:

•    Mandatory compliance, Manage Y(C's) including all torques and mandatory compliance designations that are released in WERS are documented in GSPAS and process accounted for
•    Complete torque tracking matrix - will begin at 50% Design --> Tooling readiness, Copy of the VBS for fasteners
•    Achieve 90% Flash Free Minimum in Steel Welding applications
•    Ensure tooling, at 100% design & tooling buy-off, follows LD files. If changes are required, generate WLRR
•    Ensure DPA checklists are correctly pulled for New Model Programs
•    Drive processes, tooling and product designs to prevent deviations to GMR’s & VOSS. If unable to resolve, generate and obtain deviation approval
•    Manage Hem Feasibility during DPA in conjunction with PF Development at UPV1, 2 and P-release
•    Ensure weld guns and rivet guns are properly evaluated in DPA and will deliver to requirements.
•    Process requirements are accurately stated in SOW
•    Quality maturation plan of Process Tooling equipment will meet program objectives
•    Complete all VTTO quality metrics, including tooling repeatability study
•    Ensure tooling, at 100% design & tooling buy-off, follows LD files. If changes are required, generate WLRR
•    PF Changes which impact design, utilize change control (i.e., generate WLRR)
•    Manage, via prioritization matrix, Dimensional requirements at each build phase
•    Ensure weld guns and rivet guns are properly set-up and delivering to requirements.
•    Process requirements are accurately stated in GSPAS and on VBS
•    No campaigns for any closure manufacturing related item
•    Ensure Body Tooling Processes are meeting vehicle requirements (Pp/PpK, Surface, Sealing)

Delivery:

•    Ensure DPA, Tooling SOW’s are released to schedule. Follow up on PO placements.
•    Create and update GSPAS sheets; manage direct labor authorization for closure manufacturing
•    Provide simulation inputs and optimize layout to support Total Plant Layout.
•    Generate VTTO VRF for tooling buy-off requirements; reduce quantities were applicable
•    Drive processes, tooling and product designs to prevent deviations to GMR’s & VOSS. If unable to resolve, generate and obtain deviation approval Verify achievement of throughput targets for each system with Simulation Engineer
•    PFMEA's reviewed, updated and delivered according to schedule (initial and final)
•    Deliver tooling, facilities, and processes to achieve new product launch timing, Mfg Projects and acceleration curves in support of 100% OKTB Deliverables
•    Manage VIM and Project Timeline with VIS/Launch Leader, Coordinate VTTO for buy off event
•    Complete customer check sheet, tooling repeatability study & cycle time verification
•    Tooling buy-off is completed, on time and on first attempt; zero exceptions and customer checklist complete; Support disposition of all 8D's and clearly document supplier agreements for OK to ship tooling & facilities
•    Completion of BCE exit book at MP2 - ensure tooling meets throughput requirements (tooling achieve NET JPH for 10 shifts) via FIS
•    Verify achievement of throughput targets for each sub-system using Factory Information System (or equivalent) data. If targets not achieved, 8D required to address repetitive issues significantly affecting throughput. Evidence of throughput can be obtained by reviewing the last two consecutive weeks of data (FIS if available). The average JPH (units produced/actual worked hours) produced by each subsystem and ship to paint must meet or exceed the targets established through simulation.
•    Verify that all Cycle Times (with parts) for new/kitted cells or combination of cells (line) are at design intent cycle time using FIS (Report 011 - Cycletime) over 10 shifts (or equivalent) using average cycletime, per station per model. Also all stations must have no more than 10% of their overall cycles over station ERC during 10 shifts (source FIS Report 011 - Cycletime).
•    FIS Validation process complete and all issues closed; reference FIS Checklist
•    Manage Post Layout changes including updated 1A, validated to ensure the documentation matches the tooling on the floor.

Cost:

•    Support Planning with cost studies and presentations. Develop all programs within approved F&T funding levels. Meet or exceed all program budget objectives.
•    Help to develop LLF's request, inputs to costing sheets, work on plan to meet targets.
•    Complete all workstation cycle line layouts by .
•    Drive VOME BCE/IE alignment at each study phase to ensure all direct and indirect labor (e.g. quality, weld teardown, maintenance, etc.) is captured including current state.
•    Contain manufacturing-driven WERS changes to less than $250,000 and 0 labor add for total program.
•    Achieve Investment Efficiency target of 1.5% for 2017 and update BOG.Formulate and estimate New Model Program layout, flexibility, cycle time, cost, facility and labor targets at required Milestones
•    Review and understand SOW and supplier quotes. Look for discrepancies or non-value added costs
•    Save 10% of costs, over BCE’s advance program study group
•    Manage financial cost tracking and TWM for Total Program
•    Reconcile supplier’s quote and work with Cost Optimization & Purchasing to negotiate costs
•    Review CR’s / Q-forms for impact to closure tooling; obtain accurate cost and timing and implement change
•    Cost (SOW, Supplier Selection and Financial Management):
•    Write tooling SOW/APN request.
•    Meet with supplier for SOW review.
•    Reconcile supplier's quotes and work with Cost Optimization and Purchasing to negotiate costs.
•    Initiate PN request, transfer funds in PFR and update Financial Tracking Matrix for initial purchase orders and all two-way driven amendments

People:

•    Accurately document/feedback lessons learned and update standards (GMR’s/VOSS/GPP) for continuous  improvement and to prevent reoccurrence of issues
•    Support team building events
•    Work together with closure manufacturing and launch team(s); develop a “buddy” system with co-workers to help weekend/vacation coverage
•    Complete PULSE surveys
•    Provide technical and non-technical training to support employee growth and deliverables.
•    Hold regular staff meetings and share department information with the teams.
•    Conduct 1:1’s to ensure good communication with direct reports.
•    Support all VOIE Pre-Launch planning initiatives on Labor Allocations (Direct), Develop gap to target workplan
•    Complete all workstation cycle line layouts by .
•    Drive VOME BCE/IE alignment at each study phase to ensure all direct and indirect labor (e.g. quality, weld teardown, maintenance, etc.) is captured including current state.
•    Drive zero manufacturing-driven incremental labor increase post .
•    All required GSPAS process are updated with latest revisions and sign-off. Audit process sheets to latest WERS BOM (Hard copies for stamping plants). BCE PVT to claim process sheets

You'll have...

Bachelor's of Science in Engineering or higher
7-10 Years Experience in Manufacturing Engineering
Demonstrated Leadership Behaviors, Ford Experience preferred.
Experience in Areas of Stamping, Body Assembly and Manufacturing Tooling / Processes
Experience working with Data and Analysis.
MS, Engineering or Engineering Management
10-15+ Years Experience in Manufacturing Engineering
Demonstrated Leadership Behaviors, Ford Experience preferred.
Experience in Manufacturing Engineering and Operations: Areas of Stamping, Body Assembly and Manufacturing Tooling / Processes
Experience working with Quality Departments: Blackbelt Certification.

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 $115,500-$218,100.
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/LL6

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.

This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Onsite

#LI-PS2

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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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VME Body Program Implementation Leader

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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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