Launch Quality Engineer - APQP/PPAP Leader

Ford; Dearborn, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 84,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vehicle discount program for employees

Tuition assistance

Paid time off & holidays

Medical, dental coverage

Job summary

Ford in Dearborn, MI seeks a STA Launch Engineer to manage supplier quality and launch readiness across the new-model development process. You will lead cross-functional teams, drive APQP/PPAP execution, and monitor supplier deliverables to ensure on-time PSW approvals and production readiness.

You will coordinate with suppliers, program teams, and site STA to resolve issues, manage PPAP timing, and support milestone reviews and pre-production builds. Domestic travel 50–75% required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science/Engineering or equivalent combination of 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 on short notice.
• Ability to lead resolution of manufacturing, quality, and/or capacity issues on-site with suppliers.
• Ability to travel in the US, Canada, and Mexico approximately 50-75% of the time.

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 (include late starters, design changes, VPP updates, etc).
• 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 and notify suppliers.
• Lead Supplier Champion Process supplier selection using Supplier Champion filter, facilitate concurrence with PD, Purchasing and Site STA.
• 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.
• Tracking PPAP and Schedule A status and submission requirements to the Site STA Organization and Supply Base.
• Prepare standard documents for all Milestone Reviews, SARs and OESAR/NML Assessment.
• Drive resolution of all YELLOW/RED deliverables with cross functional team members.
• Participate in PAT, PST and PMT change control meetings; collaborate with CPMT leaders and Purchasing Program managers.
• Support NMP Part Pedigree meetings and develop Parts Pedigree Risk and Industrialization Readiness Assessment prior to each build for review with STA leadership.
• Aggressively manage and review Phased PPAP status and timing plans to deliver on time Phase PPAP approvals.
• Arrange cross functional meetings to drive PPAP issues resolution and manage action plans to assure on time PSW approvals.
• Proactively monitor, manage and elevate significant issues inhibiting Supplier PPAP/launch risks.
• Drive on-time PPAP completion through OTG meetings and communicate PSW status and delinquencies.
• Provide onsite STA Launch support for Build events.

Skills

Program management

Communication

Technical problem-solving

Leading multiple suppliers

APQP/PPAP knowledge

Education

Bachelor of Science/Engineering

Tools

APQP/PPAP

eAPQP

GPDS

Job description

Ford in Dearborn, MI seeks a STA Launch Engineer to manage supplier quality and launch readiness across the new-model development process. You will lead cross-functional teams, drive APQP/PPAP execution, and monitor supplier deliverables to ensure on-time PSW approvals and production readiness.

You will coordinate with suppliers, program teams, and site STA to resolve issues, manage PPAP timing, and support milestone reviews and pre-production builds. Domestic travel 50–75% required.