New Model Program Engineer - Powertrain

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

Job summary

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

The role requires strong program management, problem-solving, manufacturing, and stakeholder management skills, with an interest in digital transformation and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics or Industrial Eng (or related).
• MBA preferred.
• 5+ years in powertrain manufacturing, manufacturing engineering, product development or program management.

Responsibilities

• Launch execution and cross-functional coordination to meet timing, quality, and cost targets.
• Develop and maintain detailed launch plans, milestones, and readiness reviews.
• Lead regular launch meetings and track action-item closure.
• Monitor launch issues and drive timely resolution using structured problem solving (8D, RCA).
• Support digital manufacturing analytics, Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing initiatives.

Skills

Powertrain

Manufacturing Engineering

Product Development

Program Management

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's in Mechatronics Engineering

Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering

MBA preferred

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

MS Project

Job description

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.