Ford Production System Strategist, Ford Energy

About the Role

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. Ford Energy is a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company dedicated to accelerating U.S. energy independence. Leveraging Ford’s century of manufacturing excellence and world-class battery energy storage systems (BESS) technology, Ford Energy designs, manufactures, and services grid-scale and commercial DC battery energy storage systems (BESS). Ford Energy is uniquely positioned to capture the growing demand for reliable, US-built energy storage systems. We are not just building batteries; we are building the infrastructure for the next generation of the American grid.

Why Ford Energy? At Ford Energy, you have the backing of an industrial manufacturing powerhouse with the agility of a dedicated energy startup offering industry-leading technology. We offer a competitive compensation package, including performance-based bonuses, Ford vehicle discounts, and the opportunity to shape the energy strategy of one of the world's most iconic brands.

In this position, you will act as the Department Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Ford Production System (FPS). Directly partner with the production team on the shop floor to facilitate deep understanding, robust implementation, and disciplined execution of FPS standards, ensuring high-quality, safe, and efficient battery manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• FPS Subject Matter Expertise (SME): Serve as the go-to resource and technical authority on all FPS elements (including Standardized Work, 6S, Visual Management, Quick Changeover/SMED, Error Proofing, and Levelled Production).
• Hands-on Shop-Floor Implementation: Work side-by-side with production supervisors, team leaders, and operators on the manufacturing line to physically deploy FPS tools. Transition theoretical FPS concepts into practical, daily operational habits.
• Standardized Work Development & Auditing: Partner with production to draft, optimize, and audit Standardized Work Sheets and Job Instruction Sheets for critical battery processes. Ensure strict adherence to prevent quality defects.
• On-the-Floor Coaching & Execution: Provide real-time, immediate coaching to production teams during daily operations. Help teams understand why FPS processes exist and how to execute them.
• Structured Problem Solving: Guide shop-floor teams through structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 5-Why, Fishbone, 8D) to resolve immediate production bottlenecks, scrap spikes, or equipment downtime.
• Kaizen & Continuous Improvement Leadership: Plan, facilitate, and execute shop-floor Kaizen events directly with the production operators to eliminate waste, improve ergonomics, and optimize line balancing.
• FPS Maturity & Gap Analysis: Conduct regular, detailed audits of production zones against FPS standards. Collaborate with production leadership to develop and execute recovery plans for any identified gaps.
• Visual Management: Confirm the right application of visual management standards in the workstation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering required (in lieu of degree, 8+ years of proven experience applying Lean Manufacturing tools or production systems will be considered)
• 5+ years of proven experience applying Lean Manufacturing tools or production systems
• 5+ years of experience working directly on the shop floor in a high-volume assembly environment
• Lean Six Sigma trained (certification not required)
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, up to 20%, as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven track record working with Production Systems or as a Lean Manufacturing practitioner/SME
• Deep, demonstrable knowledge of Production System standards, tools, and methodologies
• Battery, powertrain, or electronics experience is highly preferred
• Excellent coaching and interpersonal skills; ability to build trust and influence hourly operators, team leaders, and salaried production managers
• Strong "go-and-see" (Gemba) mindset, spending most of the day on the production floor

Pay

This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $99,100-$166,200. Final determination of salary grade will be based on the candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility, and competitive market value.

Benefits

• 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

As Ford establishes a wholly-owned subsidiary focused on Battery Energy Storage Systems, this role will initially be employed by Ford and is expected to transition to the subsidiary within one year.