Ford Motor Company

Vehicle Manufacturing Engineer (VME)

Ford Motor Company • $132K — $250K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering required
  • 5+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing engineering
  • Direct experience in tooling design, error-proofing, and process engineering
  • 3+ years in a launch or operations engineering capacity
  • Statistical/data analysis skills

Responsibilities

  • Perform engineering analysis of quality issues to identify root cause
  • Design and validate corrective actions and engineering drawings
  • Develop tools and error-proofing devices for process improvements
  • Execute engineering changes and assess manufacturing feasibility
  • Conduct in-plant trials for engineering prove-outs
  • Update process documentation and conduct audits
  • Analyze data to prioritize engineering responses

Benefits

  • Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
  • Flexible family care days and paid parental leave
  • Support for family building, including adoption and surrogacy benefits
  • Employee vehicle discount and management leases
  • Tuition assistance for further education
  • Active employee resource groups
  • Generous paid time off including holiday schedules
  • Option to purchase additional vacation time
Full Job Description
Job Description

In this position...

Manufacturing Engineer - Vehicle Manufacturing Engineering (VME), Final Assembly Engineering (FAE), Quality/PVT (Plant Vehicle Team)

Seeking a candidate for an opening as a Vehicle Manufacturing Engineering (VME) Final Assembly Engineering (FAE) Quality/PVT (Plant Vehicle Team) Engineer. This is a hands-on engineering role: approximately 70-75% of the position's time is spent performing direct engineering and operational tasks - root cause analysis, tooling and fixture design, error-proofing (poka-yoke) development, process/layout redesign, in-plant trials, and technical documentation - with the remaining time spent on cross-functional coordination and reporting of that engineering work.

VME FAE is the engineering lead for current model process/manufacturing issues at our assembly plants (excluding those that are plant/operator/maintenance controllable). This role is directly responsible for diagnosing current model quality concerns (reducing R/1000), executing engineering scope for minor programs and running changes at assembly plants, and designing and implementing tools/technologies/error-proofing solutions to resolve process/manufacturing related issues.

The employee will personally contribute to the engineering design solution of current model quality issues, including but not limited to:
  • Tooling and fixture design and modification
  • Error-proofing/poka-yoke system design and validation
  • Process change development (work instructions, cycle time/line balance, ergonomic and workstation layout)
  • Manufacturing layout improvements (equipment placement, material flow, station design)

Engineering knowledge/skills required:
  • Application of root cause analysis methodologies (e.g., 5-Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa, 8D) to diagnose manufacturing and quality issues at the process level
  • Working knowledge of tooling and fixture design principles, GD&T, and manufacturing feasibility assessment
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, PFMEAs, and control plans, and to author engineering change requests/ECNs
  • Statistical/data analysis skills (e.g., use of VRT health chart data, SPC concepts) to identify and prioritize engineering corrective actions
  • Understanding of assembly process engineering, error-proofing device design, and validation/prove-out methods
  • Familiarity with Six Sigma/DMAIC or equivalent structured problem-solving methodology as applied to manufacturing process design

What you'll do (engineering/operational - approx. 70-75%)...
  • Perform data-driven and plant floor engineering analysis of current model quality concerns and process/manufacturing issues to identify root cause
  • Design, develop, and validate Interim Containment Actions (ICAs), Permanent Corrective Actions (PCAs), and Prevent Recurrence Actions (PRAs), including engineering drawings/specifications where applicable
  • Design and implement tools, technologies, and error-proofing devices to resolve process/manufacturing issues, including specification, sourcing input, and plant floor validation
  • Execute engineering scope for minor programs and running changes at assembly plants, including assessing manufacturing feasibility, estimating facility and tooling costs, updating engineering concerns/ECNs, and preparing purchase order technical specifications
  • Perform in-plant trials and engineering prove-out associated with engineering concerns, MCR actions, alerts, and PSOs
  • Develop and update GSPAS, PFMEA, and control plan documentation; conduct delta audits and GERT investigations tied to current model programs
  • Analyze VRT health chart data to prioritize and scope engineering response actions that drive the largest R/1000 reductions
  • Provide engineering support for containment activities on stop ships and incoming quality issues

What you'll do (coordination/reporting - approx. 25-30%)...
  • Coordinate engineering activities with Plant Engineering, Product Development, Vehicle Program Engineers, Quality Offices, STA, VME FAE Core, and Manufacturing Program Teams
  • Engage subject matter experts and engineers across teams to support technical resolution of quality issues
  • Report on engineering findings and corrective action status to leadership and at VRT functions
  • Provide engineering input at daily quality meetings, weekly regional meetings, plant VQRs, and warranty binning meetings

You'll have...
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (required)
  • 5+ years' experience in automotive manufacturing engineering, with direct experience in tooling design, error-proofing, process engineering, or manufacturing layout
  • 3+ years' experience in a launch and/or operations engineering capacity, performing hands-on process/tooling design and validation work

Even better, you may have...
  • Six Sigma Black Belt (preferred)

Must be open to travel as needed to support North American Assembly Plants and the FAE engineering team members stationed at these plants.

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 leadership level 6 and ranges from $132,800-$250,800.

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: New Hire Benefits

Visa sponsorship is 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.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company manufactures or distributes automobiles in addition to offering financial services. The company sells to dealerships for retail sales, and for sale to fleet customers, including commercial fleet customers, daily rental car companies, and governments. Ford’s vehicle portfolio includes automobiles, buses, tractors, and trucks. Retail financing includes retail installment sale contracts for new and used vehicles, and direct financing leases for new vehicles to retail customers, government entities, daily rental car companies, and fleet customers. Finance receivables in the non-consumer portfolio include products offered to automotive dealers. Ford’s environmental initiatives include compressed natural gas, flexible fuel vehicles, electric drive vehicles, Hydrogen, PC power management, and so on. Ford Motor Company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903 and is headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford Motor Company Careers

Join the dynamic team at Ford Motor Company, a global leader in automotive innovation and manufacturing. At Ford, we are committed to driving human progress by providing outstanding vehicles and mobility solutions. This is an exciting time to become part of our inclusive team, where job opportunities abound and growth is not just a possibility, but a promise.

Work You’ll Do

At Ford Motor Company, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Our professionals are at the forefront of automotive technology, leading projects that redefine transportation and sustainability. With a culture rooted in continuous improvement and respect for all, Ford offers a workplace where leadership, diversity training, and innovation are part of everyday life.

Join Our Market-Leading Team

Ford’s commitment to excellence is why we are a leader in the automotive sector. We offer a variety of career paths, from engineering to marketing, all designed to foster professional and personal growth. Our team benefits from Ford’s commitment to professional development and networking opportunities, ensuring that every team member can reach their full potential.

Innovative Work

Engage in work that makes a difference. Ford Motor Company is pioneering developments in electrification, autonomous vehicles, and smart mobility solutions. Our team of over 190,000 employees worldwide is dedicated to crafting experiences that improve the way the world moves.

Be Part of a Great Team

Working at Ford means more than just having a job; it means being part of a global family. Our culture promotes teamwork, integrity, and respect—values that underpin everything we do. We believe in nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment where every employee can thrive.

Future-Proof Your Career

Ford Motor Company is not just a great place to work; it’s a place to build a lasting career. Our employees enjoy competitive benefits, comprehensive health care, and retirement plans that rank among the best in the industry. We support career advancement through extensive training programs and hands-on experience in the latest automotive technologies.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a student interested in an internship, Ford has opportunities that will harness your skills and ignite your ambition. Our hiring process is straightforward and respectful, designed to match your skills and passions with the right position.

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Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Ready to start your journey with Ford? Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that’s building the future of transportation.

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Learn more about Ford Motor Company
Size
183,000 employees
Market Cap
$44.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$1.2 billion
Founded
1903
5 Year Trend
-2.1%
Revenue
$127.1 billion
NASDAQ

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