Automation Deployment Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Automation launch engineer deploying robotics, PLCs, vision systems, AMRs, and Cobots for Ford’s smart vehicle manufacturing plants. Supporting plant-floor commissioning, readiness, and technical handover.

Posted 9/2/2026full-timeRedford • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $96,720 - $162,120 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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

Demonstrates expertise in leading the installation and commissioning of advanced manufacturing technologies, including PLCs, robotics, and vision systems, while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Proven ability to troubleshoot complex systems and provide technical support and training to union personnel in a fast-paced industrial environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PLC Programming and TroubleshootingRobotics Integration (Fanuc, Kuka)Vision Systems Experience (Cognex, Keyence)Manufacturing Engineering ExperienceUnion Workforce Collaboration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

PLC ProgrammingControls EngineeringRobotics ProgrammingVision Systems IntegrationTechnical TroubleshootingManufacturing Process OptimizationTechnical Training DevelopmentCycle Time AnalysisSafety Standards CompliancePlant Readiness Assessment

Soft Skills

Technical LiaisonOn-the-Job GuidanceProblem-SolvingCommunicationTeam Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCsSiemens PLCsFanuc RoboticsKuka RoboticsCognex Vision SystemsKeyence Vision Systems

Industry Keywords

Manufacturing EngineeringIndustrial EnvironmentUnionized WorkforceSafety ComplianceTechnical Deployment

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead on-site installation, commissioning, testing, and debugging of advanced manufacturing technologies, including PLCs, vision systems, AMRs, Cobots, and traditional 6-axis robotics
Execute technical deployment plans, timelines, and schedules established by the ATP Senior Product Launch Manager
Troubleshoot hardware, software, and controls issues on the plant floor
Ensure equipment meets cycle time, quality, and safety standards before handover
Serve as the primary technical liaison with plant engineering teams, production supervisors, and union skilled trades
Provide on-the-job guidance, technical support, and knowledge transfer to union personnel
Support Plant Readiness Assessments and verify facility infrastructure is prepared for technology deployment
Identify technical roadblocks and implement countermeasures to keep deployment schedules on track
Develop and deliver site-specific training materials and standard operating procedures for plant operators and maintenance teams
Report technology performance, integration challenges, and design-maturation opportunities to MTDC engineering and product development teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Robotics/Mechatronics Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent extensive hands-on experience)
5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, controls engineering, or a direct launch support role within an industrial environment
Proven hands-on experience programming, integrating, and troubleshooting Controls/PLCs, including Rockwell/Allen-Bradley or Siemens
Proven hands-on experience with robotics, including Fanuc or Kuka
Proven hands-on experience with vision systems, including Cognex or Keyence
Experience working effectively alongside unionized workforces and skilled trades in a heavy manufacturing setting
Willingness and ability to travel extensively, up to 70–80%, across the Ford Manufacturing Network
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available, including F-1 OPT
Comfortable wearing PPE, including safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility clothing
Comfortable working on feet for extended periods in a loud, active, fast-paced industrial environment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care days
Paid parental leave
New parent ramp-up programs
Subsidized back-up child care
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
Fertility treatments
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members
Management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
Generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Paid time off
Option to purchase additional vacation time