Vehicle Launch Program Engineer

Job Title: Vehicle Launch Program Engineer

Location: Louisville, Kentucky, Onsite.

Pay Range: $33-35 per hour

Job Type: W2 Contract.

Expected Hours per Week: 40 hours per week.

Schedule: Monday–Friday.

Position Summary

Ford is seeking a New Model Program Engineer to support the successful launch of new vehicle and powertrain models across North American manufacturing plants. This role will manage critical launch activities, coordinate cross-functional teams, drive issue resolution, and ensure programs meet quality, timing, and budget objectives.

Key Responsibilities

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• Manage new model programs and ensure compliance with established launch processes and standards.
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• Coordinate and oversee pre-production build events.
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• Manage the ordering, building, testing, evaluation, and disposition of pre-production vehicles.
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• Manage product development design changes and ensure changes are implemented before prototype builds.
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• Maintain program issue lists and work with cross-functional teams to drive issues to resolution.
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• Co-chair launch meetings and resolve part-support issues for pre-production build events.
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• Support launch budget approvals and manage assigned budget elements.
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• Prepare and present weekly program assessments, status updates, and risk reports.
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• Communicate program status, challenges, and proposed solutions to senior management.
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• Support the transition and integration of launch teams into manufacturing plants.
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Required Qualifications

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• Bachelor’s degree.
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• 4+ years of experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Project.
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• 2+ years of experience with structured problem-solving disciplines using statistical or data-driven approaches.
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• 1+ year of experience in powertrain or vehicle operations, manufacturing, design, program management, project management, or product launch.
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• Program management experience, including issue tracking and cross-functional issue resolution.
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• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
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• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
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Preferred Qualifications

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• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
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• Automotive manufacturing or new vehicle launch experience.
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• Program or project management experience.
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• Understanding of the processes involved in bringing new vehicle models into full-scale production.
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• Experience with Engineering Change Management.
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• Experience with Issue Management.
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