STA Launch Engineer

Ford Motor Company

STA Launch Engineer at Ford interacting with suppliers and managing technical aspects of product launches. Driving supplier engagement and APQP process while ensuring timely completion of evaluations.

Posted 7/30/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $84,480 - $141,360 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) processes, including Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), while effectively managing cross-functional collaboration and supplier engagement to ensure on-time project delivery.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bachelor Of Science/EngineeringSupplier Technical Assistance (STA)Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)Manufacturing And Quality Experience

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Program ManagementQuality ToolsManufacturing KnowledgeNew Model Launch ToolsSupplier Engagement Process

Soft Skills

Cross-Functional CollaborationLeadership Presentation SkillsProblem Resolution

Tools & Technologies

EAPQP SystemAutomated Issues Management System (AIMS)

Industry Keywords

Multi-Party AgreementsGPDS Priority FilterSupplier Champion ProcessPhased PPAPParts Pedigree Risk Assessment

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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 (Product Development), Purchasing and Site STA (Supplier Technical Assistance) and notify suppliers
Lead Supplier Champion Process supplier selection using Supplier Champion filter, facilitate concurrence with PD (Product Development), Purchasing and Site STA (Supplier Technical Assistance).
Train suppliers and cross functional team members, as required, on the Supplier Engagement Process and the APQP/PPAP (Advanced Product Quality Planning/Production Part Approval Process) Readiness Assessment.
Manage and track on-time completion of GPDS priority supplier team evaluations.
Tracking PPAP and Schedule A (External Supplier APQP/PPAP Readiness Assessment) status and submission requirements to the Site STA Organization and Supply Base.
Prepare standard documents for all Milestone Reviews, Special Attention Reviews (SAR) and OESAR / NML Assessment)
Drive resolution of all YELLOW/RED deliverables with cross functional team members.
Participate in PAT (Program Activity Team), PST (Program Steering Team) and PMT (Program Module Team) change control meetings. Collaborate with CPMT (Component Program Module Team) leaders and Purchasing Program managers to understand program related changes impacting launch.
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 escalate significant issues inhibiting Supplier PPAP/launch risks.
Drive on-time PPAP completion through OTG (Open-to-Go) meetings, PPAP timing alignment with eAPQP and communicate PSW status and delinquencies to Site STA and Program Team.
Provide onsite STA Launch support for Build events (e.g. DCV (Design Completion Verification) builds, PCF / TCB (Part Coordinate Fixture/Trim Coordination Build), etc.)
Drive resolution of supplier quality issues raised through AIMS (Automated Issues Management System). Lead containment, 8D follow up, ICA / PCA activity. In case of AIMS related to carry over parts engage Incoming Quality, Site or Resident STA engineers as necessary.
Support Start up Meetings / FCPA (Ford Consumer Product Audit), VOCF (Voice of Customer Fleet), Campaign Prevention/Fresh Eyes, Craftsmanship, R202, DEMS, Hard Rocks, Shortage meetings, White Board reviews

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Science/Engineering or equivalent combination of relevant 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
Manufacturing and Quality Experience (Even better)
Cross-Functional/culture work experience (Even better)
Program management experience (Even better)
Extensive knowledge in manufacturing (Even better)
Knowledge of AIAG (APQP), Product Planning Approval Process (PPAP) and extensive use of Quality Tools (5 Why, 8D, etc) (Even better)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare 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.