Automation Deployment Launch Engr

About the role

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 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, transforming innovative engineering concepts into fully operational realities on the plant floor. This role advances Ford’s global manufacturing capabilities through hands-on work with Industry 4.0 technologies, including controls, automation, vision systems, industrial robotics, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), and Collaborative Robots (Cobots).

This role requires a significant deployment travel schedule and comfort working in dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing plant environments.

Responsibilities

• 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 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.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison on the plant floor, collaborating 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 prepared to maintain equipment post-launch.
• Navigate the unique dynamics of unionized manufacturing environments with professionalism and respect.
• Support Plant Readiness Assessments, verifying facility infrastructure (power, network, floor space) is prepared for technology deployment.
• Identify on-site technical roadblocks rapidly and implement 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.
• Act as the feedback loop to MTDC engineering and product development teams, reporting on technology performance, integration challenges, and opportunities for design maturation.

This is not a traditional desk job. Your primary office will be the plant floor, requiring comfort with PPE (safety glasses, steel-toed boots, high-visibility clothing), extended periods on your feet, and a loud, active industrial environment.

Requirements

• 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.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively (up to 70-80%) across the Ford Manufacturing Network (domestic and potentially international) to support launch schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience deploying and programming AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) and fleet management software.
• Direct experience integrating Cobots (Collaborative Robots) and understanding 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 environments.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of translating complex engineering concepts to plant floor personnel.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up child care.
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and fertility treatments.
• 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.
• Generous paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

Pay

This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $96,720 to $162,120. Final determination of salary 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.

Schedule

This position is hybrid. Candidates are required to be onsite four or more days per week.