Description
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.
Imagine being on the ground floor of something truly extraordinary. At BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, we’re not just assembling battery systems; we’re leading a transformation. As a key member of our start-up team, you’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to launch a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility from the ground up. Imagine: you, at the forefront of the electrification movement, helping to bring the next generation of vehicles to driveways, job sites and highways everywhere.
In this position... The Customer Quality Engineer (CQE) is the primary advocate for the customer within the BOBM Battery Pack Assembly plant. This role leads the Problem Resolving Team (PRT) in identifying, analyzing, and resolving complex quality issues that reach Vehicle Operations (VO) or the field (Warranty).
Responsibilities
VO & Field Quality Leadership
- Act as the primary point of contact for Vehicle Operations (VO) plants regarding battery pack quality concerns.
- Monitor and analyze field warranty data to identify emerging trends and failure modes; lead investigations into high-impact "Time-In-Service" (TIS) failures.
- Coordinate and lead "Vehicle Pulls" and physical inspections of battery packs at VO plants or in the field to characterize issues.
- Drive the resolution of VO and Field concerns by collaborating with Product Development (PD), Plant Engineering, and Suppliers.
Problem Resolving Team (PRT) & Technical Analysis
- Lead and facilitate the Battery Pack Problem Resolving Team (PRT) meetings, ensuring a disciplined approach to the 8D process.
- Conduct in-depth technical investigations into complex issues involving battery chemistry, electrical systems (BMS), and mechanical assembly.
- Support the Engineering Change Board (ECB) by assessing the quality impact of proposed design or process changes on the customer experience.
- Interpret complex data sets (e.g., end-of-line test results, SPC, and telematics data) to pinpoint the origin of defects.
Containment & Customer Protection
- Coordinate immediate containment actions, including Dock Holds and Special Checks, to prevent non-conforming material from reaching the customer.
- Lead the technical justification and clearing process for plant stop-ships and quality holds.
- Ensure that Permanent Corrective Actions (PCAs) are verified and that "clean points" are clearly communicated to downstream customers.
Documentation & Reporting
- Prepare and present technical reports for the Plant Quality Review (PQR) and executive leadership.
- Manage and maintain high-quality documentation for Customer 8Ds, Outgoing Dock Audits, and First Time Through (FTT) metrics.
- Ensure all problem-solving activities follow Ford TDM (Time and Data Management) standards.
Work Environment
- This role typically involves a mix of office work and significant time spent on the manufacturing floor. May require occasional travel to VO plants and other company locations.
Role Deliverables
- Successful 8D closure for VO and Field issues.
- Effective management of ECB and PRT activities.
- Timely execution of Vehicle Pulls and root cause characterization.
- Improvement in FTT and reduction in Warranty R/1000 (Repairs per 1,000 vehicles).
Qualifications
You'll have...
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or Materials Science preferred).
- 3–5 years of experience in Quality, Design, or Manufacturing Engineering (Automotive or Battery industry preferred).
Even better, you may have...
- Master's degree in engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or Materials Science preferred)
- Expertise in 8D Problem Solving, Six Sigma, and Root Cause Analysis.
- Strong understanding of Lithium-ion battery technology, high-voltage safety, and Battery Management Systems (BMS).
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams under high-pressure, "line-down" scenarios.
- Six Sigma Black Belt certification, or ASQ certification (CQE).
Technical Skills & Ford Systems:
- Quality Tools: Proficiency in FMEA, SPC, MSA, and APQP.
- Systems: Familiarity with Ford-specific quality systems (GSDB, AWS, CQIS) and PRT/ECB processes.
Analytical:
- Ability to use statistical software (Minitab or JMP) to analyze warranty and production data.
Soft Skills:
- Customer Advocacy: A relentless focus on protecting the end-user and the Ford brand.
- Communication: Ability to translate complex technical battery failures into clear, actionable summaries for non-technical stakeholders.
- Influence: Ability to drive accountability across Design, Supplier Quality, and Production teams.