New Model Program Engineer - Powertrain

Ford Motor; Chennai; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Ford Motor in Chennai is seeking an experienced New Model Program Engineer to lead on-site execution of powertrain program launches. You will collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, quality, suppliers, and program teams to ensure seamless launches from build events through production readiness.

This role requires strong program management, problem-solving, manufacturing, and stakeholder management skills, plus an interest in digital transformation and data-driven decision making, including

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in engineering; MBA preferred.
• 5+ years in powertrain manufacturing, manufacturing engineering, product development, or program/project management.
• Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Project; knowledge of quality systems and launch processes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate launch execution and manage detailed launch plans, milestones, and readiness reviews.
• Monitor issues and drive timely resolution with cross-functional teams; support change management and mitigation plans.
• Coordinate parts readiness and supplier support during launch events; track corrective actions until production stabilisation.
• Prepare launch health reports, dashboards, and management reviews; support milestone approvals.
• Ensure validation, launches stay on schedule, and drive quality improvements; promote best practices.
• Support digital manufacturing, analytics, and Industry 4.0 initiatives; explore AI-enabled improvements.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Data analytics

Manufacturing readiness

Launch execution

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

MBA

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Microsoft Project

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

New Model Program Engineer – Powertrain We are seeking an experienced New Model Program (NMP) Engineer to lead and support on-site execution of powertrain program launches. The successful candidate will work cross-functionally with manufacturing, engineering, quality, suppliers, and program teams to ensure seamless product launches from build events through production readiness. This role requires strong program management, problem-solving, manufacturing, and stakeholder management skills, along with an interest in digital transformation and data-driven decision making.

Responsibilities

Launch Execution & Program Management

Support powertrain program launches to deliver targets for timing, quality, and cost. Coordinate launch activities between manufacturing plants, engineering teams, suppliers, and program stakeholders. Develop and maintain detailed launch plans, milestones, and readiness reviews. Manage launch facilities, logistics, and operational support activities. Lead regular launch meetings and track action-item closure.

Issue Resolution & Risk Management

Monitor launch issues and drive timely resolution through cross-functional teams. Support engineering change management and implementation activities. Identify launch risks and develop mitigation plans. Capture and deploy lessons learned across future programs. Facilitate structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D and root cause analysis.

Supplier & Parts Readiness

Coordinate parts readiness and supplier support during launch events. Support production trial builds and validation activities. Track supplier-related concerns and ensure timely corrective actions. Manage launch modifications and resolution plans until production stabilization.

Reporting & Stakeholder Communication

Prepare launch health reports, dashboards, and management reviews. Present program status, risks, key metrics, and recovery plans. Support milestone approvals and production readiness assessments.

Quality & Manufacturing Readiness

Ensure product validation and launch test activities remain on schedule. Support quality improvement and defect prevention initiatives. Drive compliance with launch quality processes and standards. Promote best practices across manufacturing launch activities.

Digital Manufacturing & Analytics

Support automation, digitalization, and process efficiency initiatives. Utilize data analytics and reporting tools to identify trends and risks. Contribute to implementation of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing solutions. Explore opportunities to leverage AI and automation for launch process improvements.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• MBA preferred.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in one or more of the following areas: Powertrain Manufacturing Manufacturing Engineering Product Development Program Management Project Management Technical Skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Project.
• Experience with manufacturing quality systems and launch processes.
• Knowledge of structured problem-solving methodologies such as: 8D Six Sigma Statistical Process Control (SPC).

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to launch quality systems and new product introduction processes.
• Experience with business intelligence tools such as Power BI or Tableau.
• Understanding of Industry 4.0, connected manufacturing, IIoT platforms, and digital quality tools.
• Basic knowledge of analytics, SQL, automation, or AI-enabled manufacturing solutions.
• Previous powertrain or automotive manufacturing experience.