
Press Automation Engineer (Mechanical & Electrical)
Ford · Dearborn, MI
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Base pay
- $87k–$145k
- Degree
- Preferred
- Industry
- Automotive
- Posted
- 23 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at Ford (automotive) in Dearborn, MI. Get the satisfaction of making great products people use and love.
- They ask for
- degree preferred
- Tools it names
- FMEA, Automation, Machining, Stamping, Tooling
- Base pay
- $87k–$145k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in Michigan: typical posted base $79k–$143k. This one lists $87k–$145k.
Median of the low and high ends of 16 live postings that list pay, out of 54 controls engineer openings in Michigan, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Michigan plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 53 other live controls postings in Michigan.
- Base pay
- About 6% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Typical $76k–$141k, from 15 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 76%
- Robotics 67%
- PLC 61%
- ✓ New product launch 33%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 30%
- AutoCAD 24%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for FMEA, Machining, Stamping, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Ford
We found 9 people at this company and state: 7 in this kind of role, 2 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Mike → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Ford in Dearborn
32 other open roles at this site · 9 people we found in controls roles at Ford.
- Manufacturing Engineer- Final Assembly · Manufacturing
- Manufacturing Quality Engineer · Quality
- Manufacturing Engineer-Body Shop · Manufacturing
- Powertrain Manufacturing Engineer · Manufacturing
- ADAS Verification and Validation Engineer · Quality
- Lean Strategist · Lean / CI · Specialist
Full description from FordAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
As part of our Manufacturing team, you’ll help build the world-class, state-of-the-art smart vehicles we're known for. In our plants around the world, we’re constantly developing new technologies and processes to further increase our efficiency. You'll get the satisfaction of making great products people use and love.
In this position...
As part of our Stamping Engineering team, you’ll help build the world-class, state-of-the-art smart vehicles the world expects from us. Within our plants around the world, we’re constantly developing new technologies and processes to further increase our efficiency. That means we’re continually seeking diligent, determined performers who think outside the box to help us find better and more efficient ways to manufacture our vehicles.
Stamping Engineering is a cross-functional team having the primary responsibility to support our manufacturing plants and implement the launch of new vehicle programs at plants across North America and Mexico.
What you'll do...
- •Develop and implement new automated manufacturing processes as well as identify and implement continuous improvements for existing processes through equipment and product launches.
- •Equipment Design analysis including layout for maintainability, equipment uptime, production throughput, reliability, foundations, and electrical/mechanical installations.
- •Write technical specifications for new equipment, improvements, and repairs.
- •Investigate and research new automation technology to improve manufacturing efficiency.
- •Complete risk assessments concurrently with multiple suppliers and plant engineering during design/build
- •Estimate budget and secure quotes for investment studies.
- •Establish and maintain master schedule with technical assistance and plant labor coordination.
- •Execute purchase orders.
- •Support emergency breakdowns (calls after hours/weekends sometimes are expected).
- •Provide analysis of failures and interpret test results, and complete failure reports.
- •Coordinate testing of materials at labs, interpret metallurgical issues and changes.
- •Provide on-site support during installations releases at the plants.
- •Develop installation plans including bid package preparation for contractor installations.
- •Learn and execute Ford Safety process: Risk Assessments, Safety Pre-task Analysis, PROTAG, and ECPL
- •Maintain project budgets and use Ford financial reporting systems (PCAM & PFR).
- •Maintain and update equipment records.
You'll have...
- •Bachelors degree in Engineering (Mechanical OR Electrical preferred) and/or equivalent experience (15+) years in Stamping Automation
- •Experience supporting manufacturing launch programs
- •Strong Project Management skills
- •Strong computer skills (Excel, Power Point, etc.)
- •3D CAD review abilities
- •Understanding of PFMEA and failure mode avoidance principles
- •Strong verbal & written communication and presentation skills
- •Ability to operate in stressful situations within timing constraints
- •Ability to work with minimal direct supervision
- •Able to read & understand mechanical and electrical drawings
- •Energetic personality that is eager to dive in and solve issues.
- •Must be willing to travel domestically – including extended trips for major launches.
Even better, you may have...
- •Stamping / Press Engineering
- •PMP Certification
- •Experience with stamping, machining tooling, processes, and facilities
- •Steel Scrap Processing experience
- •Aluminum Scrap Processing experience
You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
- •Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
- •Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
- •Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
- •Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
- •Tuition assistance
- •Established and active employee resource groups
- •Paid time off for individual and team community service
- •A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
- •Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $86,600-$144,900.,
This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $99,100-$166,200.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
