Process Quality Engineer-Planta Ford Irapuato

We are seeking a hands‑on Quality Engineer to own quality activities for machining operations (maquinados) at the Ford Irapuato plant. The ideal candidate is an electromechanical or mechanical engineer with practical experience in CNC machining, geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T), CMM measurement and gage management. This role will drive measurement system reliability, SPC implementation for machined features, support launches and sustainment, lead root‑cause problem solving, and collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Process Engineering and Supplier Quality.

• Own quality for machining processes including CNC turning, milling and related secondary operations from launch through sustained production.
• Define, implement and maintain SPC methodologies for critical machined characteristics; create and maintain Control Charts, set control limits and monitor process capability (Cp, Cpk).
• Perform and lead Measurement System Analysis (MSA) and Gage R&R studies for CMMs, hand gages and fixtures; manage gage calibration and maintenance program.
• Program, operate or validate CMM inspection routines (e.g., PC‑DMIS or equivalent) and interpret results to support process control and corrective actions.
• Apply GD&T (ASME Y14.5 or equivalent) to inspection plans, control plans and engineering drawings; ensure correct feature interpretation on shop floor and in inspection.
• Support production launches: process validation, pilot runs, run at rate, quality gates and readiness reviews for machined components.
• Lead root‑cause investigations (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone) and implement corrective & preventive actions (CAPA) for machining defects and escapes.
• Work with CNC programmers and process engineers to establish robust machining process windows, tooling specifications, and inspection points.
• Create and maintain control plans, process flow diagrams, PFMEA (or input to DFMEA/PFMEA) for machining operations.
• Manage nonconforming material disposition and containment when required; liaise with suppliers for corrective actions on incoming machined parts.
• Provide technical training and coaching to operators, technicians and engineers on GD&T, CMM use, gage handling and SPC best practices.
• Generate and present quality metrics and trend analysis to plant leadership (defect Pareto, SPC summaries, capability metrics).
• Ensure compliance with Ford quality standards, customer requirements and applicable industry standards for machined components.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or related discipline.
• Recommended 3+ years of experience in machining/manufacturing quality, preferably in automotive or other high‑reliability industries.
• Practical knowledge of CNC machining processes (turning, milling) and familiarity with CAM/CNC programming basics.
• Strong understanding and application of GD&T (ASME Y14.5 or equivalent) on manufacturing and inspection documentation.
• Hands‑on experience with CMM programming/operation and inspection software (e.g., PC‑DMIS, PolyWorks, or equivalent).
• Experience with gage management, calibration schedules, and Gage R&R studies.
• Experience implementing SPC for dimensional characteristics and using statistical tools (Minitab, Excel, or equivalent).
• Proven problem‑solving skills and experience leading root‑cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Experience with PPAP, APQP or similar automotive launch quality processes is preferred.
• Ability to read technical drawings, prepare inspection plans and create control documentation (control plans, FMEAs).
• Strong communication skills in Spanish and working proficiency in English (capable of technical communication with U.S. teams).
• Availability to travel to the United States as required.
• Must have a valid U.S. visa and a current, valid passport.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in GD&T, CMM programming, or Six Sigma (Green Belt) is a plus.
• Experience with machining fixtures, cutting tools, and process capability improvement projects.
• Familiarity with automotive supplier quality systems and standards.
• Prior experience working in cross‑border projects or supporting U.S.‑based manufacturing teams.

DISCLAIMER: Ford Motor Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, as we are committed with a diverse workforce, and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran and basis of disability