STA Launch Engineer

In this position ...The STA Launch Engineer is responsible for managing supplier quality and launch readiness across the new-model development process. This position serves as a key connection between suppliers and Ford’s cross-functional program teams, ensuring that new and changed components meet quality, timing, capacity, and production-readiness requirements.The engineer drives APQP and Phased PPAP execution, monitors supplier deliverables, identifies and escalates launch risks, and facilitates action plans to support on-time PSW approval. The role also supports milestone reviews, supplier engagement activities, prototype and pre-production builds, and the resolution of supplier-related quality issues through structured problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration. Success in this position requires strong program management, communication, technical problem-solving, and the ability to lead multiple suppliers and stakeholders through critical launch milestones.At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow’s transportation.Ford’s Purchasing team works to ensure that parts and services sourced from around the globe are of the highest quality, at optimal cost, and delivered on-time. We aim to build strong relationships with the supply base so that Ford can produce vehicles that our customers want and value. Building and maintaining strong, mutually beneficial relationships with a diverse range of suppliers helps us lower costs, improve quality and make progress toward our sustainability goals. We recognize that a diverse supply base is an integral part of our overall success, providing fresh perspectives that lead to cutting-edge innovations and accelerated business development. We continue to foster productive relationships with entrepreneurs from a wide range of backgrounds to meet our customers’ needs and expectations.You'll have ...Bachelor of Science/Engineering or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.Be proficient in English when working with global teamsKnowledge of STA Quality tools and systemsKnowledge of new model launch tools and systemsAbility to develop and present materials to leadership on short noticeAbility to lead resolution of manufacturing, quality, and/or capacity issues on-site with suppliersAbility to travel in the US, Canada, and Mexico approximately 50-75% of the timeEven Better ...The following skills and experiences are recommended qualifications for this role:Manufacturing and Quality ExperienceCross-Functional/culture work experience Program management experienceExtensive knowledge in manufacturingKnowledge of AIAG (APQP), Product Planning Approval Process (PPAP) and extensive use of Quality Tools (5 Why, 8D, etc)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 the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverageFlexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare and moreVehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leasesTuition assistanceEstablished and active employee resource groupsPaid time off for individual and team community serviceA generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s DayPaid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time. For a detailed look at our benefits, click here:This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $84,480-141,360.This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $96,720-162,120. Visa sponsorship is not 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.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite 4 or more days per week.#LI-Hybrid #LI-SB7What you will do... Identify all the New Tooled End Items for the program including Multi-Party Agreements and directed tier 2 suppliers. Represent and be supplier advocate in Cross-Functional Meetings Develop program specific NTEI file containing pertinent part number information. Load and maintain program information in the eAPQP System( include late starters, design changes, VPP updates, etc) Obtain site codes for each NTEI from Program Purchasing to initiate eAPQP Schedule A submission requests. Lead Priority supplier selection using GPDS Priority filter, facilitate concurrence with PD (Product Development), Purchasing and Site STA (Supplier Technical Assistance) and notify suppliers Lead Supplier Champion Process supplier selection using Supplier Champion filter, facilitate concurrence with PD (Product Development), Purchasing and Site STA (Supplier Technical Assistance). Train suppliers and cross functional team members, as required, on the Supplier Engagement Process and the APQP/PPAP (Advanced Product Quality Planning/Production Part Approval Process) Readiness Assessment. Manage and track on-time completion of GPDS priority supplier team evaluations. Tracking PPAP and Schedule A (External Supplier APQP/PPAP Readiness Assessment) status and submission requirements to the Site STA Organization and Supply Base. Prepare standard documents for all Milestone Reviews, Special Attention Reviews (SAR) and OESAR / NML Assessment) Drive resolution of all YELLOW/RED deliverables with cross functional team members. Participate in PAT (Program Activity Team), PST (Program Steering Team) and PMT (Program Module Team) change control meetings. Collaborate with CPMT (Component Program Module Team) leaders and Purchasing Program managers to understand program related changes impacting launch. Support NMP Part Pedigree meetings and develop Parts Pedigree Risk and Industrialization Readiness Assessment prior to each build for review with STA leadership Aggressively manage and review Phased PPAP status and timing plans to deliver on time Phase PPAP approvals Arrange cross functional meetings to drive PPAP issues resolution and manage action plans to assure on time PSW approvals Proactively monitor, manage and escalate significant issues inhibiting Supplier PPAP/launch risks Drive on-time PPAP completion through OTG (Open-to-Go) meetings, PPAP timing alignment with eAPQP and communicate PSW status and delinquencies to Site STA and Program Team. Provide onsite STA Launch support for Build events (e.g. DCV (Design Completion Verification) builds, PCF / TCB (Part Coordinate Fixture/Trim Coordination Build), etc.) Drive resolution of supplier quality issues raised through AIMS (Automated Issues Management System). Lead containment, 8D follow up, ICA / PCA activity. In case of AIMS related to carry over parts engage Incoming Quality, Site or Resident STA engineers as necessary. Support Start up Meetings / FCPA (Ford Consumer Product Audit), VOCF (Voice of Customer Fleet), Campaign Prevention/Fresh Eyes, Craftsmanship, R202, DEMS, Hard Rocks, Shortage meetings, White Board reviews. Full timePosting Date: 2026-10-01