Deputy Manager - Digital Manufacturing and Process Simulation

Ford Motor; Chennai; On-site; INR 3,000,000 - 6,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Ford Motor is seeking a Deputy Manager for Digital Manufacturing & Process Simulation. The role leads a multi-regional team delivering process simulation, planning, and digital factory development across vehicle programs.

You will partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Product Engineering, Quality, and Plant Operations to standardize processes, improve efficiency, and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6+ years in Manufacturing Engineering with BIW program launches.
• Minimum 4+ years leading Process Simulate/Robotic Simulation teams.
• Experience supporting vehicle manufacturing and assembly operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional Manufacturing Engineering and Digital Manufacturing teams across multiple programs.
• Oversee process simulation, planning, and digital factory development for launches.
• Develop standards, templates, and best practices to reduce launch risks.
• Manage program governance, risks, and milestone reporting using JIRA.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure BOP accuracy and compliance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Planning and organization

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

JIRA

Tecnomatix Process Simulate

Teamcenter / PLM

Job description

Deputy Manager – Digital Manufacturing & Process Simulation

The Deputy Manager – Digital Manufacturing & Process Simulation will lead a multi-regional Digital Manufacturing team responsible for process simulation, process planning, and digital factory development across multiple vehicle programs. The role requires strong Manufacturing Engineering expertise, technical leadership, and program management skills to deliver standardized, high-quality manufacturing solutions. This position works closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Product Engineering, Quality, Controls Engineering, and Plant Operations teams to support successful program launches while driving process standardization, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Regional and Program Leadership

Lead cross-functional Manufacturing Engineering and Digital Manufacturing teams supporting multiple global regions. Manage multiple concurrent vehicle programs, balancing workload and resources to meet timing, cost, quality, and delivery objectives. Act as the primary liaison between plant teams, program leadership, and global Manufacturing Engineering stakeholders. Drive alignment of manufacturing standards, processes, and deliverables across regions. Identify, elevate, and resolve cross-functional and cross-regional issues.

Process Simulation

• Lead virtual commissioning and process validation activities using Tecnomatix Process Simulate.
• Review and approve robotic and manual assembly simulations, cycle-time studies, reach analysis, collision detection, and offline programming outputs.
• Collaborate with Controls Engineering teams to validate integration between manufacturing processes and control systems.
• Develop and improve simulation standards, templates, and best practices to enhance accuracy and reduce launch risks.

Process Planning

• Oversee development of process flows, line balancing, process flows and manufacturing documentation.
• Ensure compliance with Manufacturing Engineering standards, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), and program requirements.
• Coordinate with Product Engineering, Quality, and Plant teams to ensure accurate Bill of Process (BOP) and manufacturing deliverables.

Digital Factory Development

• Lead creation and maintenance of Digital Factory models representing existing and future manufacturing operations.
• Support manufacturing layout planning, capacity analysis, and process optimization initiatives.
• Ensure digital manufacturing data remains accurate and aligned with program requirements.

Team Development and Program Governance

• Develop and maintain team work plans, resource plans, and capability-building initiatives.
• Manage training plans to strengthen technical competency across the team.
• Own project activity tracking using JIRA, ensuring visibility of deliverables, risks, issues, and milestones.
• Report program status, risks, and performance metrics to leadership.

Manufacturing Engineering Support

• Provide technical guidance on manufacturing feasibility, process design, equipment installation, and launch readiness.
• Support issue resolution and manufacturing health reviews during program execution.
• Capture and drive implementation of lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Experience

• Minimum 6+ years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering and BIW program launch in plant.
• Minimum 4+ years of leading Process Simulate/Robotic Simulation teams, projects Experience leading technical teams, projects, or multi-regional programs.
• Experience supporting vehicle manufacturing and assembly operations.

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in Tecnomatix Process Simulate.
• Experience with Digital Factory and manufacturing simulation tools.
• Strong knowledge of Process Planning methodologies.
• Experience using Teamcenter, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, and Bill of Process (BOP) management.
• Experience using JIRA or equivalent project tracking tools.
• Understanding of robotic manufacturing systems and virtual commissioning.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting North America, Europe, and International Markets programs.
• Experience managing multiple vehicle programs simultaneously.
• Prior Body-in-White (BIW) Manufacturing Engineering experience.
• Experience with manufacturing launch and plant support activities.

Functional Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong planning, prioritization, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with globally distributed teams.

Behavioral Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership in fast-paced program environments.
• Adaptability to support global teams across multiple time zones.
• Willingness to travel as required to support regional operations.
• Strong collaboration and continuous improvement mindset.

Experience Level

Mid Level