Engineering Specialist - Quality at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI

About Ford

Ford Motor Company stands as a cornerstone of the global automotive industry, pioneering innovation, sustainability, and mobility for over 120 years. Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, Ford employs hundreds of thousands worldwide, crafting iconic vehicles like the F-150, Mustang, and cutting-edge electric models such as the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. Our commitment to quality drives everything we do, from advanced manufacturing to smart technologies that redefine transportation. At Ford, we're not just building cars; we're shaping the future of mobility with a focus on electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and connected ecosystems. Joining Ford means contributing to a legacy of excellence while working with state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse, collaborative team dedicated to 'One Ford' – a unified approach to innovation and customer satisfaction.

Role Overview

As an Engineering Specialist - Quality in Dearborn, MI, you will play a pivotal role in upholding Ford's renowned standards of production excellence. This full-time position within the production department involves leading Quality Operating System (QOS) initiatives to ensure seamless adherence to Ford's rigorous quality procedures and requirements. Reporting to quality leadership, you'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify, mitigate, and prevent quality issues in high-volume automotive manufacturing environments. This role demands a blend of technical expertise, analytical prowess, and leadership skills to drive continuous improvement. With Ford's investment in advanced manufacturing technologies, including Industry 4.0 tools like AI-driven inspections and digital twins, you'll have the opportunity to influence quality outcomes on a massive scale. Ideal for seasoned quality engineers passionate about automotive innovation, this position offers a platform to make tangible impacts on vehicles that reach millions of customers worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day impact will include:

• Leading QOS initiatives within the production department to optimize quality performance.
• Driving strict adherence to Ford Quality procedures, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Performing in-depth quality audits, data analysis, and root cause investigations using tools like 8D and Fishbone diagrams.
• Collaborating with engineering, production, and supplier teams to implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Developing and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) for quality metrics, reporting insights to senior leadership.
• Training production staff on quality best practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Supporting new product launches by ensuring quality integration from design through production.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel in this role, candidates should possess:

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related discipline; advanced degrees preferred.
• At least 3-5 years of hands-on experience in quality engineering, preferably in the automotive sector.
• Deep expertise in Ford's Quality Operating System (QOS) or equivalent systems like IATF 16949.
• Proficiency in quality tools such as SPC, FMEA, PPAP, and Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt certification a plus).
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data visualization tools like Minitab or Power BI.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities to influence cross-functional teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with occasional travel.

Ford values diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups in engineering.

Benefits & Perks

Ford offers a premium compensation package designed to reward your contributions:

• Competitive salary estimated at $65,000 - $95,000 annually, based on experience, with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and wellness programs.
• 401(k) with generous company match and immediate vesting.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and flexible work arrangements where applicable.
• Tuition assistance for ongoing education and certifications.
• Employee discounts on Ford vehicles and exclusive perks like fitness reimbursements.
• Access to on-site amenities at our Dearborn headquarters, including cafeterias and recreational facilities.

Career Growth

At Ford, career progression is a reality. As an Engineering Specialist - Quality, you'll have clear pathways to senior roles like Quality Manager, Plant Quality Director, or even corporate quality leadership. Our robust development programs include mentorship, leadership training, and rotations across global facilities. Ford's emphasis on internal mobility means top performers advance quickly – many of our executives started in roles like yours. With investments in EV and autonomous tech, quality specialists are at the forefront of emerging opportunities in battery production, software-defined vehicles, and sustainable manufacturing.

Why Join Us

Choosing Ford means joining a company that's electrifying the future. In Dearborn, you'll work at the heart of our innovation hub, surrounded by world-class talent and resources. We prioritize work-life balance, diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering an environment where your voice matters. Ford's stability as an industry leader, combined with agile innovation, positions you for long-term success. Be part of the team delivering vehicles that drive progress – from highways to history books.

Role FAQs

What is the work schedule for this position?

This is a full-time role typically following a standard daytime schedule, with flexibility for production needs.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Ford offers relocation support for eligible candidates moving to Dearborn, MI.

What tools and technologies will I use?

You'll leverage Ford's QOS platform, SAP, Minitab, and emerging AI quality analytics tools.

Does Ford support professional certifications?

Yes, we reimburse costs for relevant certifications like Six Sigma, ASQ, or IATF auditor training.

How does Ford promote diversity in engineering roles?

Through targeted recruiting, ERGs, and inclusive policies, we build diverse teams driving superior innovation.