Description
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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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, Purchasing, and Site STA.
- Notify suppliers.
- Lead Supplier Champion Process supplier selection using Supplier Champion filter.
- Train suppliers and cross-functional team members on the Supplier Engagement Process and the APQP/PPAP Readiness Assessment.
- Manage and track on-time completion of GPDS priority supplier team evaluations.
- Track PPAP and Schedule A status and submission requirements.
- Prepare standard documents for all Milestone Reviews.
- Drive resolution of all YELLOW/RED deliverables.
- Participate in PAT, PST, and PMT change control meetings.
- Collaborate with CPMT leaders and Purchasing Program managers.
- Support NMP Part Pedigree meetings.
- Develop Parts Pedigree Risk and Industrialization Readiness Assessment.
- Aggressively manage and review Phased PPAP status and timing plans.
- Arrange cross-functional meetings to drive PPAP issues resolution.
- Proactively monitor, manage, and escalate significant issues.
- Drive on-time PPAP completion.
- Provide onsite STA Launch support for Build events.
- Drive resolution of supplier quality issues.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science/Engineering or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
- Be proficient in English when working with global teams.
- Knowledge of STA Quality tools and systems.
- Knowledge of new model launch tools and systems.
- Ability to develop and present materials to leadership.
- Ability to lead resolution of manufacturing, quality, and/or capacity issues.
- Ability to travel in the US, Canada, and Mexico approximately 50-75% of the time.
Benefits
- Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage.
- Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs.
- Vehicle discount program for employees and family members.
- Tuition assistance.
- Established and active employee resource groups.
- Paid time off for individual and team community service.
- A generous schedule of paid holidays.
Salary
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.