Plant Vehicle Team (PVT) Engineer- Sheet Metal Systems

Job Description

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 of Canada's operations include a national headquarters, three vehicle assembly and engine manufacturing plants, three parts distribution centres, and three Connectivity and Innovation centres. Ford employs approximately 7,000 people in Canada, while an additional 18,000 people are employees in the more than 400 Ford and Ford-Lincoln dealerships across the country. For more information, please visit www.ford.ca.

At Ford's Oakville Assembly Complex, we are expanding and retooling our vehicle operations like never before. This is more than just delivering a flawless new vehicle launch; it's an opportunity to shape the future of vehicle manufacturing in Canada. Here is where cutting-edge manufacturing processes will bring to life vehicles that embody unparalleled performance and unwavering dependability. 

At Ford of Canada, we are shaping the future of mobility. We are seeking a dedicated Plant Vehicle Team (PVT) Engineer specializing in Sheet Metal Systems to join our team at Oakville Assembly Plant as we launch the highly anticipated Ford Super Duty truck.

As a PVT Engineer, you will serve as the 'first line of defense' for quality, focusing on body structure, closures, and sealing systems. You'll collaborate across global product development teams, manufacturing operations, and suppliers to deliver industry-leading quality.

Responsibilities

What you'll do...

The primary responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

Quality Ownership & Continuous Improvement
 

• Own sheet metal and stamping quality objectives (R/1000 and CPU); resolve chronic and new warranty concerns
• Lead IRIS warranty analysis for stamping defects (splits, cracks, wrinkles, dimensional variation, surface quality)
• Conduct root cause analysis addressing forming processes, tolerance stack-up, tooling wear, material variability, and assembly-induced distortion
• Lead Variability Reduction Team (VRT) activities and utilize Ford manufacturing systems (GQRS, FPS) to meet quality standards

Problem Solving & Technical Analysis
 

• Lead cross-functional teams to resolve sheet metal concerns and drive sustainable process improvements
• Prepare structured problem-solving documentation (8D, A3, 5-Why, Fishbone) using SIMPSN system
• Analyze stamping process metrics (press tonnage, draw depth, springback, CMM data) to optimize processes
• Apply GD&T and tolerance stack concepts to support robust fixes

Plant Support & Issue Resolution
 

• Represent Product Development during urgent containment activities (Stop Ships/Builds, quality holds)
• Develop inspection and repair instructions for critical quality issues
• Partner with manufacturing and quality teams to address EOL and FTT inhibitors
• Provide on-site support for quality campaigns, audits, and launch-related build concerns

Change Management & Product Launch
 

• Lead engineering commodity changes for sheet metal systems and manage cost reduction actions
• Support Change Control activities by coordinating in-plant trials for die changes, material modifications, and supplier changes
• Support launch teams through OK to Buy (OKTB) and resolve post-OKTB issues
• Issue Engineering Alerts and initiate Engineering Concerns for product changes

Collaboration & Communication
 

• Present findings in plant quality meetings (FQR, DQR, VQR)
• Collaborate with die engineering and tooling suppliers to optimize stamping processes
• Work with internal teams (Product Development, Manufacturing Engineering, Plant Quality, STA) and external suppliers
• Effectively escalate critical concerns through appropriate engineering forums

Qualifications

You'll have...

Education
 

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Materials, or Manufacturing Engineering. (Successful candidates will be required to provide proof of diploma/degree completion for the highest level of education attained. If the degree was obtained from a school outside of Canada, an Education Credential Assessment report showing Canadian equivalency is also required).

Experience
 

• Minimum 1 year of experience in Product Development, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, or Stamping/Sheet Metal Operations.
• Working knowledge of stamping processes (draw, trim, pierce, flange, hemming).
• Experience with dimensional engineering, metrology systems (CMM, optical scanning), and GD&T.
• Familiarity with sheet metal forming principles and material properties (AHSS, aluminum).

Other
 

• Availability to travel across North America, if required.

Even better if you have..
 

• Master's degree in relevant engineering discipline.
• Six Sigma certification (Black Belt or Green Belt).
• Experience with stamping simulation software (AutoForm, PAM-STAMP, FEA tools).
• Knowledge of die design and tooling optimization.
• Proficiency in data analytics tools (Excel, Minitab, JMP, Python).
• Experience with Ford systems (GQRS, FPS, IRIS, SIMPSN).
• Understanding of body construction and joining methods.
• Excellent leadership, teamwork, and communication abilities.
• Self-starter capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

This posting is for an existing vacancy within our team.

The expected annual salary range for this position is $63, 000.00 - $ 107, 000.00 and individuals may be eligible to participate in our Annual Compensation bonus program. 

We thank all candidates for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Ford of Canada is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a culturally diverse workforce. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment processes, where needed, are available upon request. Please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require.

Candidates for this position must be legally entitled to work in Canada. Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, does not sponsor work permit applications.

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