Engineering Specialist Paint, Automation/Controls, Ford at BlueOval City, Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center

Introduction to BlueOval City 

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves? 

Ford is investing $5.6 billion to build its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities at BlueOval City in West Tennessee. The Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center will produce the next-generation electric truck with production beginning in 2025. We're building our first mega-campus in more than a generation -- and it's electric. This brand-new facility will use Ford's 100 years of expertise and will be among the largest automotive manufacturing campuses in U.S. history, harnessing our global manufacturing ability and innovative technologies. Like the iconic Rouge complex in Michigan did a century ago, BlueOval City will usher in a new era for American manufacturing. Our site aspires to have 100% renewable energy, zero waste to landfill and water reuse to help make sure our planet is in it for the long haul. For more information about Ford's BlueOval plans, visit www.blueovalcity.com.

The Engineering Specialist at BlueOval City – Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center (TEVC) will have a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a key member of the start-up team, launching the facility from ground up. 

 

 

In this position…

In this role, you will be responsible for the complete paint application process as a subject matter expert. In-depth knowledge of robotic paint application is required, with the ability to resolve complex application, structure, and color harmony problems. Own the quality and throughput with a continuous improvement mindset. 

What you'll do... 

• Assist production in defect identification and root cause analysis. 
• Use engineering principles and best practices for establishing, improving, adjusting, and controlling processes for robust robotic paint applications for world-class OEE.
• Assist Topcoat in process efficiency to ensure cycle times, throughput, and quality targets (KPIs) are met. 
• Work with suppliers as needed to meet quality targets and help determine the root cause of paint or process-related defects. 
• Verify process validation checks daily/weekly/monthly for all processes to ensure within specifications. 
• Assure quality targets (Gloss, DOI, Wavescan, Filmbuilds, etc…) are within specifications. Help with corrective actions of any target(s) which is not within specifications. 
• Validate datapad results and help adjust processes as needed to ensure bake conditions are within specifications and that no over/underbake conditions occur. 
• Review downdraft/cross-draft readings in the booths to ensure they are within specifications. 
• Validate temperature and humidity conditions in booths are within specifications. 
• Participate in weekly cleaning team activities to ensure booths are ready for production prior to weekly startup. 
• Validate mixroom conditions and paint targets are met. 
• Interface with maintenance and controls personnel to ensure that the paint shop equipment is running properly, and that predictive maintenance is being done. Will lead downtime recovery and recurrence prevention plans.
• Provide regular updates and reports on paint quality and downtime issues, and develop countermeasures cross functionally.
• Assist Sr. Engineer in writing and training on Job Element Sheets / Standardized Work Sheets / Standard Operating Sheets to establish standardized and repeatable processes, as needed.
• Support a safe work environment. The Engineer will conduct periodic safety walks of the paint shop to ensure that correct procedures are being followed.
• The Engineer will participate with the EH&S coordinator in generating reports for government regulation compliance.
• Train and develop technicians to create a strong technical team.

 

You'll have...  

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent 
• Experience using Microsoft Office including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook
• 5+ years of experience with robotic electrostatic painting
• 5+ years experience in a paint manufacturing environment

Even better, you may have... 

• Engineering degree in a technical area (BSME, BS Chemical Engineering, etc.) or directly related experience.
• Experience with Durr automation (preferred but not necessary). 
• Basic knowledge of control logic for troubleshooting and equipment performance improvement (a strong plus)
• Demonstrated experience in accomplishing tasks and objectives. 
• Proficiency in use of problem-solving tools (Six Sigma, DOE, 8D, 5 Why, etc)
• Effec