Manufacturing Engineer

Description The Launch Manufacturing Engineer will support the Manufacturing Plant throughout the development and launch of new platforms. This individual will provide hands-on manufacturing engineering leadership from early program development through launch, production acceleration, and post-launch stabilization. DDMP supports a diverse range of manufacturing operations and products, including suspension components, truck axles, stampings, tires and wheels, frames, hydroforming, and heat treat processes supporting F-Series and Super Duty trucks. Key Responsibilities: Provide manufacturing engineering leadership throughout the P736 new-model development and launch program, supporting activities from initial launch readiness through OK-to-Buy and post-launch stabilization. Lead the implementation of new production equipment, tooling, operator workstations, and facility modifications driven by new product and process requirements. Lead and support tooling buyoffs at supplier/tooling vendor facilities, followed by tooling installation, startup, commissioning, and validation at the manufacturing plant. Support major manufacturing build events including DCV, TT, PP, MP1, and MP2, identifying issues and driving them through resolution. Lead pre-build validation activities for the DCV build at NMPDC. Balance launch-related responsibilities with daily production support, helping the plant maintain existing operations while preparing for the new platform. Identify and drive resolution of manufacturing concerns through systems such as AIMS and VIMS, while providing daily status and metrics to the appropriate VOME FAE team. Support plant acceleration and throughput improvement by identifying and resolving production constraints and documenting daily acceleration performance. Develop, modify, and maintain manufacturing process sheets as required following FDJ. Maintain and update PFMEA and SCCAF documentation based on learning and issues identified during physical build events. Support WERS Concern Resolution (CR) activities, including tooling and labor investment requirements following P-Release. Drive quality, cost, labor, and throughput improvements throughout the launch. Support installation and validation of error-proofing systems for new tooling and processes. Complete preventive-maintenance planning and ensure required M-task documentation is completed in accordance with VOSS requirements. Ensure spare-parts and industrial-material documentation is completed for all new launch tooling in accordance with VOSS requirements. Ensure new tooling, workstations, and manufacturing processes meet applicable Ford ergonomic requirements. Develop and distribute daily launch metrics and status reporting using standard night-letter and Excel formats. Support management reviews through data collection, issue tracking, and preparation of launch-readiness information. Work cross-functionally with Product Development, STA, MP&L, NMP, Product Specialists, VOME, suppliers, tooling vendors, and plant manufacturing teams. Skills & Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent relevant automotive manufacturing experience. Must have participated in at least one complete automotive launch, preferably involving a new vehicle, major platform changeover, or significant manufacturing process introduction. Demonstrated experience with new tooling implementation, including installation, startup, debugging, commissioning, and production readiness. Hands-on experience supporting tooling buyoffs at supplier or tooling vendor facilities. Must be able to provide specific examples of previous tooling buyoffs and how new tooling/equipment was successfully transitioned into a production environment. Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing processes, launch execution, and production issue resolution. Experience with PFMEA, manufacturing process documentation, error proofing, preventive maintenance planning, and continuous improvement. Ability to troubleshoot manufacturing issues and work directly with plant personnel, suppliers, tooling vendors, and cross-functional engineering teams. Strong communication, documentation, and data-management skills. Comfortable working in a fast-paced plant environment where priorities may shift between launch execution and current-production issues. Ability to travel to suppliers and tooling vendors throughout Southeast Michigan. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Dearborn, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Dearborn, MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 12, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Dearborn,MI. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.