Chief Engineer, Global Casting

Ford

  • Dearborn, MI
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
Job Category: ManufacturingJob Description:About FordDo you want to change the world? The Ford Motor Company had endured and thrived for 118 years - through every imaginable challenge - because we have the vision to imagine the future and the courage to change. Ford is redefining how it will build a better world for the future by creating a culture and opportunities where employees will capitalize on Ford's excellence in designing and building the most iconic products while also helping develop the future of world-class connected BEVs. Ford is transforming our global automotive business to scale EVs, strengthen operations, and unlock value. We will deliver the speed of a startup, with the deep expertise of high-volume production. This is the opportunity of a lifetime.The OpportunityBeing at the forefront of casting technology at Ford presents an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of automotive manufacturing. As casting gains significant momentum across the industry demonstrating its transformative potential, Ford is poised to make a substantial impact as a leader in Casting technology. You will own the research, development, and deployment through full-scale production to deliver significant cost savings in materials and manufacturing but also a dramatic reduction in assembly steps, leading to lighter, more efficient vehicles. Building a winning team with Casting expertise with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to optimize deployment and adoption will be critical to succeed in this role. For those involved, it means working with cutting-edge processes, contributing to sustainable solutions through new aluminum alloy developments, and refining tooling and simulation techniques to overcome current challenges and unlock the full potential of this critical manufacturing innovation.The PositionAs the Chief Engineer, Global Casting, you would be at the helm of this groundbreaking technological shift, responsible for integrating a relatively new manufacturing process into a complex and established environment. Reporting directly to the Managing Director & GM, Advanced Industrial Technology & Platforms (AITP), your leadership will be crucial in driving the adoption and refinement of casting technology across new and legacy programs within Ford. This pivotal role would involve overseeing the development and implementation of cast aluminum forming processes for key EV/ICE components, managing the intricacies of die cast tooling, and championing the use of advanced simulation to optimize production. You would be tasked with navigating the challenges associated with scaling up casting, such as the need for larger giga-presses, while ensuring continuous research and development in material science and process simulation. Ultimately, you would be instrumental in realizing the promise of increased efficiency, substantial cost reduction, and enhanced lightweighting across Ford's vehicle lineup, solidifying the company's position as a leader in manufacturing advanced technology and innovation.Responsibilities:What you'll be able to doCultivate and Lead World-Class Technical Talent: Architect and lead the strategic development of a high-performing, globally distributed team of senior casting engineering professionals. Your remit includes defining critical skill adjacencies, leading strategic talent acquisition initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical mastery, and implementing robust succession planning to ensure sustained organizational capability and future readiness. This involves empowering senior leaders to drive technical breakthroughs and cultivate expertise in emerging casting technologies.Define and Execute Strategic Vision for Casting Technologies: Leverage profound technical acumen and a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and future industry trends to shape the long-term strategic roadmap for casting engineering. You will be instrumental in making enterprise-level decisions regarding significant capital investments in advanced casting technologies, optimizing resource allocation, and influencing global corporate policies to align with strategic manufacturing and product development objectives. Your insights will directly inform business strategy and drive competitive differentiation.Forge Strategic Alliances and Drive Cross-Functional Influence: Establish and nurture high-impact partnerships with critical internal stakeholders across product design, manufacturing, supply chain, and research & development, as well as with external technology partners, key suppliers, and industry consortia. Your leadership will be crucial in resolving complex, multi-faceted technical challenges, driving consensus on strategic initiatives, and securing enterprise-wide adoption of best practices. You will serve as a principal technical ambassador, adept at articulating complex technical concepts to diverse executive audiences, negotiating strategic agreements, and influencing industry standards.Pioneer Advanced Casting Innovation and Problem Resolution: Lead the strategic identification, evaluation, and implementation of disruptive casting technologies and methodologies. You will provide executive oversight for the resolution of technical and manufacturing challenges, applying sophisticated engineering judgment and deep domain expertise. This includes establishing the strategic innovation roadmap for the casting domain, fostering a culture of breakthrough innovation, and guiding the integration of advanced engineering tools, simulation capabilities and digital twin concepts to optimize product performance and manufacturing efficiency.Champion Global Casting Manufacturing Excellence: Direct the strategic planning and flawless execution of complex new casting component launches, setting global benchmarks for manufacturing excellence. You will leverage unparalleled expertise in advanced manufacturing processes, materials science (including a comprehensive understanding of aluminum, steel, and other advanced alloys), and sophisticated heat treatment methodologies to proactively mitigate and overcome high-impact production challenges. Your leadership will ensure the strategic optimization of designs for manufacturability, including post-processing techniques and advanced tooling development.Ensure Enterprise-Wide Quality Assurance and Flawless Product Delivery: Architect and implement a robust, enterprise-wide quality assurance framework for all casting components, establishing global standards for dimensional control, metrology, and materials validation. You will direct the rigorous evaluation of prototype results to assure world-class quality in geometry, metallurgy, and porosity. This includes strategic collaboration with product design teams, and playing a pivotal role in strategic supplier technical capability assessment, selection, negotiation, and adherence to rigorous manufacturing standards and critical Ford launch milestones.Qualifications:The minimum requirements we seek:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, preferably within the automotive industry.
  • 5+ years of experience in Casting, Metallurgy, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering.
Our preferred requirements
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration (MBA), or a related field.
  • Experience with manufacturing processes and technologies.
  • Six Sigma Black Belt or similar process improvement certification.
  • Experience working in a global manufacturing environment.
  • Proven track record of exceeding expectations in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Proven experience applying lean manufacturing principles and methodologies to improve processes and reduce waste.
  • Proficiency in structured problem-solving techniques (e.g., A3 problem-solving, 8D reports).
  • Proven ability to lead and motivate high-performing cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization; demonstrated success in collaborating effectively with supply chain, manufacturing, product development, quality, and purchasing.
  • Strong understanding of quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001) and lean manufacturing principles.
  • Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills; ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant project management software.
What You'll Receive in ReturnAs part of the Ford family, you'll enjoy excellent compensation, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous PTO, retirement, savings and stock investment plans, incentive compensation, and much more. You'll also experience exciting opportunities for professional and personal growth and recognition. Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Ford Motor Company is 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.

Ford