Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) Engineer

Job Description:Quality / Manufacturing Engineer As a STA Engineer at Company, you will play a critical role in ensuring supplier manufacturing readiness and sustained performance. You will be responsible for implementing commodity-specific business plans, ensuring supplier compliance with quality, delivery, capacity, and warranty standards. This position serves as the primary technical interface between and its suppliers and is essential in supporting product launches, driving issue resolution, and ensuring zero disruption to vehicle production.Experience Required: 8+ years of experience in advanced manufacturing, advanced quality, process planning, implementation or launch of Interior Commodity manufacturing systems (Seats, IP’s, consoles, headliners, door panels, restraints, seat structures)8+ years of experience in one or more but not limited to the following Interior manufacturing processes: Stamping, Welding, Plastic Welding, Plastic/Rubber Molding, Blow Molding, Automated/Manual Assembly Process, Controls Automation programing, Paint, Chroming.Preferred experience within automotive Interior Commodities or experience with similar manufacturing processes.Proven experience in PPAP, APQP, and quality systems.Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.Ability to travel frequently to supplier sites up to 70%.Skills Required:Implement commodity-specific business plans to ensure suppliers exceed Ford’s expectations for launch readiness, quality, capacity, warranty, and on-time delivery.Lead cross-functional collaboration with internal Ford teams and supplier leadership to resolve open issues and drive continuous improvement.Serve as the principal on-site technical lead for troubleshooting, emergency containment, and corrective action implementation during critical supplier events.Ensure zero vehicle losses or production disruptions due to supplier-related issues.Monitor and enforce compliance with Ford’s quality and operational standards, including Q1 requirements.Drive early manufacturing feasibility assessments at supplier sites to ensure launch and production readiness.Lead and support execution of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) deliverables in alignment with program timelines.Analyze supplier performance using data-driven metrics to support strategic sourcing decisions and future quality improvements.Participate in supplier development initiatives, helping build long-term capability and alignment with Ford’s operational excellence goals.Experience Preferred:Automotive industry experience.Working knowledge of Ford systems and standards (e.g., Q1).Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification.Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership skills.Education Required:Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field.