Role & seniority: STA Engineer (Quality / Manufacturing) at Ford; mid-level professional with 3–5+ years of experience in advanced manufacturing/quality, focused on Interior Commodities for automotive production.
Stack/tools: APQP, PPAP, Q1 quality systems, data-driven performance analysis; cross-functional collaboration; on-site supplier technical lead; experience with stamping, welding, molding, assembly, controls automation; willingness to travel up to 70%.
Top 3 responsibilities
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Implement commodity-specific business plans to achieve launch readiness, quality, capacity, warranty, and on-time delivery with suppliers.
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Lead cross-functional and supplier collaboration to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement; serve as on-site technical lead during critical supplier events.
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Manage APQP/PPAP activities, monitor supplier performance, and ensure zero vehicle disruptions from supplier issues.
Must-have skills
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3–5+ years in advanced manufacturing/quality, process planning, or launch of Interior Commodity manufacturing systems (seats, IPs, consoles, etc.).
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Experience in Interior processes (stamping, welding, molding, assembly, controls programming, paint, etc.) and PPAP/APQP.
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Strong problem-solving/root-cause analysis; data-driven performance analysis; excellent cross-functional communication and leadership.
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Willingness to travel up to 70%; knowledge of Ford quality standards (Q1) is a plus; Six Sigma/Lean certification is beneficial
Full Description
Location: - Fully Onsite, Dearborn, MI
Position Description
- Quality / Manufacturing Engineer As a STA Engineer at Ford Motor Company, you will play a critical role in ensuring supplier manufacturing readiness and sustained performance. You will be responsible for implementing commodity-specific business plans, ensuring supplier compliance with Ford’s quality, delivery, capacity, and warranty standards. This position serves as the primary technical interface between Ford and its suppliers and is essential in supporting product launches, driving issue resolution, and ensuring zero disruption to vehicle production.
Skills Required
- Implement commodity-specific business plans to ensure suppliers exceed Ford’s expectations for launch readiness, quality, capacity, warranty, and on-time delivery.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration with internal Ford teams and supplier leadership to resolve open issues and drive continuous improvement.
- Serve as the principal on-site technical lead for troubleshooting, emergency containment, and corrective action implementation during critical supplier events.
- Ensure zero vehicle losses or production disruptions due to supplier-related issues.
- Monitor and enforce compliance with Ford’s quality and operational standards, including Q1 requirements.
- Drive early manufacturing feasibility assessments at supplier sites to ensure launch and production readiness.
- Lead and support execution of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) deliverables in alignment with program timelines.
- Analyze supplier performance using data-driven metrics to support strategic sourcing decisions and future quality improvements.
- Participate in supplier development initiatives, helping build long-term capability and alignment with Ford’s operational excellence goals.
Skills Preferred
Experience Required
- 3-5+ years of experience in advanced manufacturing, advanced quality, process planning, implementation or launch of Interior Commodity manufacturing systems (Seats, IP’s, consoles, headliners, door panels, restraints, seat structures)
- 3-5+ years of experience in one or more but not limited to the following Interior manufacturing processes: Stamping, Welding, Plastic Welding, Plastic/Rubber Molding, Blow Molding, Automated/Manual Assembly Process, Controls Automation programing, Paint, Chroming.
- Preferred experience within automotive Interior Commodities or experience with similar manufacturing processes.
- Experience in
- Proven experience in PPAP, APQP, and quality systems.
- Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.