Automation Deployment Launch Engineer

Job ID: 69798
Location: Redford, 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: Hybrid

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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...

Ford Motor Company is seeking a highly skilled and adaptable ATP (Advanced Technology Program) Launch Engineer to serve as the technical "boots on the ground" for our most ambitious manufacturing technology deployments. Working in direct alignment with the ATP Senior Product Launch Manager, you will be critical to the success of ATP deployments, acting as the catalyst that transforms innovative engineering concepts into fully operational realities on the plant floor.

This role is essential to advancing Ford Motor Company’s global manufacturing capabilities. You will be hands-on with the latest innovations in Industry 4.0, including controls, automation, vision systems, industrial robotics, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), and Collaborative Robots (Cobots). Because this role executes technology launches across the Ford Manufacturing Network, it requires a significant deployment travel schedule and a high level of comfort working directly in dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing plant environments.

What you'll do...

Advanced Technology Deployment & Commissioning

Lead the on-site installation, commissioning, testing, and debugging of advanced manufacturing technologies, including PLCs, vision systems, AMRs, Cobots, and traditional 6-axis robotics.
Execute the technical deployment plans, timelines, and schedules established by the ATP Senior Product Launch Manager.
Troubleshoot complex hardware, software, and controls issues on the plant floor to ensure equipment meets cycle time, quality, and safety standards prior to handover.

Plant & Union Skilled Trades Collaboration

Serve as the primary technical liaison on the plant floor, working shoulder-to-shoulder with plant engineering teams, production supervisors, and union skilled trades (e.g., electricians, millwrights, pipefitters).
Foster strong, collaborative relationships with union personnel, providing on-the-job guidance, technical support, and knowledge transfer to ensure they are fully prepared to maintain the equipment post-launch.
Navigate the unique dynamics of unionized manufacturing environments with professionalism, respect, and a focus on collective success.

Launch Support & Readiness

Support the ATP Senior Product Launch Manager in conducting Plant Readiness Assessments, verifying that facility infrastructure (power, network, floor space) is prepared for technology drop-in.
Identify on-site technical roadblocks rapidly and implement robust countermeasures to keep deployment schedules on track.
Develop and deliver site-specific training materials and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for plant operators and maintenance teams.

Continuous Improvement & Feedback

Act as the feedback loop to MTDC engineering and product development teams, reporting on technology performance, integration challenges, and opportunities for design maturation.

You'll have...

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Robotics/Mechatronics Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent extensive hands-on experience).
5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, controls engineering, or a direct launch support role within an industrial environment.
Proven hands-on experience programming, integrating, and troubleshooting Controls/PLCs (e.g., Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens), Robotics (e.g., Fanuc, Kuka), and Vision Systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence).
Demonstrated experience working effectively alongside unionized workforces and skilled trades in a heavy manufacturing setting.
Travel Requirement: Willingness and ability to travel extensively (up to 70-80%) across the Ford Manufacturing Network (domestic and potentially international) to support launch schedules.

Even better, you may have...

Direct experience deploying and programming AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) and fleet management software.
Direct experience integrating Cobots (Collaborative Robots) and understanding the associated safety standards (e.g., RIA 15.06, ISO 10218/15066).
Prior automotive manufacturing launch experience, with a strong understanding of vehicle assembly or powertrain processes.
High resilience and adaptability; comfortable making critical technical decisions in high-pressure, time-sensitive plant environments.
Exceptional communication skills, capable of translating complex engineering concepts to plant floor personnel and reporting launch status to the ATP Senior Product Launch Manager.

This is not a traditional desk job. While your base will be MTDC, your primary office will be the plant floor. You must be comfortable wearing PPE (safety glasses, steel-toed boots, high-visibility clothing), working on your feet for extended periods, and operating in a loud, active, and fast-paced industrial environment.

VISA SPONSORSHIP IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS POSITION (INCLUDING F-1 OPT)

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 8 and ranges from $96,720-162,120.

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.

Relocation assistance 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. Candidates are required to be onsite four or more days per week.

#LI-Hybrid

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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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Automation Deployment Launch Engineer

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Looking for jobs tailored to you?

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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