Automation Deployment Launch Engr

Job Description

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.

Responsibilities

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, pipe fitters).
• 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.

Qualifications

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 work forces and skilled trades in a heavy manufacturing setting.
• Travel Requirement: Willingness…