Engineering Specialist - Tool and Die

Ford Ford · Auto · Woodhaven, MI +1 · Manufacturing

Engineering Specialist role at Ford focused on supporting Forging Feasibility and Die Process engineering, involving die design investigations, product/process requirements, and resolving tooling concerns for closed-die forging operations. Requires CAD skills, PFMEA proficiency, and experience in die design, construction, or tryout.

What you'd actually do

  1. Provide engineering support for closed-die forging operations including roll form (preform), blocker, finisher, trim, twister, and calibration dies
  2. Work closely with Tool & Die Makers, production, quality, and maintenance teams to resolve tooling concerns such as wear, damage, alignment issues, and material flow challenges
  3. Support part quality by identifying and correcting tooling-related dimensional variation, surface conditions, and forging flow concerns
  4. Participate in root cause investigations and implement corrective actions to improve die durability, forging stability, and product quality
  5. Serve as an engineering resource on the plant floor, providing technical guidance and support during production and downtime events

Skills

Required

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Bachelors Degree and/or Tool & Die Journeymen's Card
  • 5+ yrs of related experience
  • 2 years minimum experience in at least one of the following areas: Forging die processing or closed-die forging operations, CAD development or technical drawing interpretation, Die design, die construction, and/or die tryout
  • CAD skills
  • Proficient in reading die designs and technical drawings, both manual and CAD
  • PFMEA proficiency
  • MS Office proficiency
  • Effective oral and written communication skills
  • Lean Manufacturing experience
  • Demonstrate leadership in ONE FORD (leadership) behaviors combined with outstanding interpersonal, teambuilding, and communication skills

Nice to have

  • Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering degrees
  • Understanding of forging flow, die wear mechanisms, and closed-die forming processes
  • Bachelor's in mechanical engineering or manufacturing engineering
  • Tool & Die Journeymen's Card
  • Understanding of sheet metal FLD Reports and general sheet metal forming methods
  • Minimum 8 years Die Design experience for large automotive sheet metal panels
  • Minimum 5 years 3D solid die design experience in one of the following CAD systems: I-DEAS, UniGraphics, Catia
  • Minimum 3 years’ experience with Ford Motor Company Die Design & Construction standards (WDX)
  • Experience in the use of Virtual verification tools such as Vis-Mock-Up, Smirt to check for die interference, automation clearance, Machining clearance, etc.
  • Associate degree or equivalent experience in Drafting/Design or Tool & Die Apprentice
  • Familiar with Patterns, NC Machining and Die Construction Practices

What the JD emphasized

  • PFMEA proficiency required