Launch and Central Engineering Area Manager

Job description

Lead new product launches and Central Engineering capabilities for the plant, connecting product strategy with strong manufacturing execution.

The position integrates two main responsibilities

ensuring successful launches of new programs, meeting safety, quality, timing, cost, and production ramp-up objectives; and developing the engineering capabilities, infrastructure, equipment, and processes needed to support current and future plant operations.

The goal is simple

successfully launch the next product while building the manufacturing capability needed for the one after it.

Responsibilities

Lead the execution of new programs from manufacturing preparation through start of production and volume stabilization. Direct and develop the Launch and Central Engineering organizations, setting priorities and driving effective collaboration between the plant, program teams, and corporate functions. Manage the master launch plan, budget, resources, risks, and governance mechanisms needed to meet program objectives. Lead the preparation and execution of prototypes, pre-series builds, manufacturing validation events, readiness assessments, and production ramp-up plans.

Represent the voice of the plant to program teams and coordinate the resolution and escalation of risks that could affect safety, quality, cost, timing, or volume. Lead the Central Engineering strategy related to installed capacity, infrastructure, facilities, and the integration and release of new equipment and processes. Ensure engineering projects deliver solutions that are safe, capable, maintainable, efficient, and production-ready.

Drive continuous improvement, innovation, automation, and new manufacturing technologies that increase the plant's competitiveness.

Qualifications

Professional degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline. Relevant experience in automotive manufacturing, preferably in new product launch, manufacturing engineering, operations, or technical project management. Experience leading cross-functional teams in high-complexity environments. Ability to manage projects, priorities, resources, risks, and budgets with a results-oriented approach. Knowledge of manufacturing systems, quality, process capability, and continuous improvement.

Advanced English for interacting with global teams.

Nice to have

Experience with structured product development and automotive launch systems. Experience in Advanced Product Quality Planning, manufacturing & production readiness, and ramp-up. Experience in capacity planning, layouts, facilities, commissioning, or new equipment implementation. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, FMEA, Control Plans, and problem-solving methodologies. Experience managing capital projects and engineering budgets.

Master's degree or additional training in business administration, engineering, or project management. #FordMexico #LI-HC1