Automation Deployment Launch Engineer

Socket.dev; Redford Charter Township (MI); Hybrid; USD 97,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid time off and holidays

Relocation assistance not available

Job summary

Ford Motor Company is seeking an Advanced Technology Launch Engineer to drive the deployment of line‑level manufacturing tech on the plant floor. You will collaborate with plant engineering, production supervisors, and unions to install, test, and optimize PLCs, vision systems, AMRs, Cobots, and robotics across the network.

You will travel extensively to support launches, train operators, and deliver robust SOPs while ensuring safety and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Robotics/Mechatronics Engineering or equivalent hands‑on experience.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, controls engineering, or direct launch support in an industrial environment.
• Proven hands‑on experience programming, integrating, and troubleshooting Controls/PLCs, Robotics, and Vision Systems.
• Experience working with unionized workforces and skilled trades in heavy manufacturing.
• Willingness to travel extensively (up to 70–80%) across the Ford Manufacturing Network (domestic and potentially international).

Responsibilities

• Lead on-site installation, commissioning, testing, and debugging of advanced manufacturing technologies (PLCs, vision, AMRs, Cobots, 6-axis robotics).
• Execute deployment plans, timelines, and schedules established by ATP Senior Product Launch Manager.
• Troubleshoot complex hardware, software, and controls issues to meet cycle time, quality, and safety standards.

Skills

Controls/PLCs

Robotics

Vision Systems

Union collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Manufacturing/Robotics/Mechatronics

Tools

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

Fanuc

Kuka

Cognex/Keyence vision

Job 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.

As part of our Manufacturing team, you’ll help build the world-class, state-of-the-art smart vehicles we're known for. In our plants around the world, we’re constantly developing new technologies and processes to further increase our efficiency. You'll get the satisfaction of making great products people use and love.

In this position...

Ford Motor Company is seeking a highly skilled and adaptable ATP (Advanced Technology Program) Launch Engineer to serve as the technical "boots on the ground" for our most ambitious manufacturing technology deployments. Working in direct alignment with the ATP Senior Product Launch Manager, you will be critical to the success of ATP deployments, acting as the catalyst that transforms innovative engineering concepts into fully operational realities on the plant floor.

This role is essential to advancing Ford Motor Company’s global manufacturing capabilities. You will be hands-on with the latest innovations in Industry 4.0, including controls, automation, vision systems, industrial robotics, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), and Collaborative Robots (Cobots). Because this role executes technology launches across the Ford Manufacturing Network, it requires a significant deployment travel schedule and a high level of comfort working directly in dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing plant environments.

What you'll do...

Advanced Technology Deployment & Commissioning

• Lead the on-site installation, commissioning, testing, and debugging of advanced manufacturing technologies, including PLCs, vision systems, AMRs, Cobots, and traditional 6-axis robotics.
• Execute the technical deployment plans, timelines, and schedules established by the ATP Senior Product Launch Manager.
• Troubleshoot complex hardware, software, and controls issues on the plant floor to ensure equipment meets cycle time, quality, and safety standards prior to handover.

Plant & Union Skilled Trades Collaboration

• Serve as the primary technical liaison on the plant floor, working shoulder-to-shoulder with plant engineering teams, production supervisors, and union skilled trades (e.g., electricians, millwrights, pipefitters).
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with union personnel, providing on-the-job guidance, technical support, and knowledge transfer to ensure they are fully prepared to maintain the equipment post-launch.
• Navigate the unique dynamics of unionized manufacturing environments with professionalism, respect, and a focus on collective success.

Launch Support & Readiness

• Support the ATP Senior Product Launch Manager in conducting Plant Readiness Assessments, verifying that facility infrastructure (power, network, floor space) is prepared for technology drop-in.
• Identify on-site technical roadblocks rapidly and implement robust countermeasures to keep deployment schedules on track.
• Develop and deliver site-specific training materials and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for plant operators and maintenance teams.

Continuous Improvement & Feedback

• Act as the feedback loop to MTDC engineering and product development teams, reporting on technology performance, integration challenges, and opportunities for design maturation.

You’ll have...

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Robotics/Mechatronics Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent extensive hands‑on experience).
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, controls engineering, or a direct launch support role within an industrial environment.
• Proven hands‑on experience programming, integrating, and troubleshooting Controls/PLCs (e.g., Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens), Robotics (e.g., Fanuc, Kuka), and Vision Systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence).
• Demonstrated experience working effectively alongside unionized workforces and skilled trades in a heavy manufacturing setting.
• Travel Requirement: Willingness and ability to travel extensively (up to 70-80%) across the Ford Manufacturing Network (domestic and potentially international) to support launch schedules.

Even better, you may have...

• Direct experience deploying and programming AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) and fleet management software.
• Direct experience integrating Cobots (Collaborative Robots) and understanding the associated safety standards (e.g., RIA 15.06, ISO 10218/15066).
• Prior automotive manufacturing launch experience, with a strong understanding of vehicle assembly or powertrain processes.
• High resilience and adaptability; comfortable making critical technical decisions in high‑pressure, time‑sensitive plant environments.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of translating complex engineering concepts to plant floor personnel and reporting launch status to the ATP Senior Product Launch Manager.

This is not a traditional desk job. While your base will be MTDC, your primary office will be the plant floor. You must be comfortable wearing PPE (safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, high‑visibility clothing), working on your feet for extended periods, and operating in a loud, active, and fast‑paced industrial environment.

VISA SPONSORSHIP IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS POSITION (INCLUDING F-1 OPT)

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp‑up programs, subsidized back‑up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $96,720-162,120.

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

This position is hybrid. Candidates are required to be onsite four or more days per week.