Manufacturing Automation Cell Design & Validation Engineer
Ford Motor Company
This role involves end-to-end ownership—from concept design and simulation through validation and documentation—ensuring solutions meet performance, safety, and manufacturability requirements. The engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, safety, and integration partners to deliver robust and scalable solutions.
Equipment & Fixture Design
- Design fixtures, manufacturing equipment, robotic/cobot cells, and automated systems
- Select and size components including pneumatic and electrical elements (sensors, motors, actuators)
- Develop and validate facility layouts for workflow efficiency, ergonomics, and material flow
- Perform simulations including reach studies and operator interaction validation
- Conduct Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural integrity, load capacity, and safety validation
- Ensure designs meet required performance and durability standards
- Develop and implement standard design practices, templates, and reusable components
- Improve design efficiency and consistency across projects
- Create detailed 3D models, manufacturing drawings, assembly drawings, Equipment Manuals and Bills of Materials (BoM)
- Prepare technical documentation including validation reports and specifications
- Perform equipment safety assessments and risk analysis
- Apply standards and define mitigation strategies for safe operation
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- 4–7 years of experience in manufacturing equipment design, facility design, or automation engineering
- Experience in Automotive OEM or Tier-1 suppliers preferred
- Experience with equipment builders or system integrators is a plus
Design & CAD
- Proficiency in CAD tools such as NX, CATIA, or Inventor
- Strong experience in 3D modelling, fixture design, and manufacturing drawings
- Knowledge of GD&T standards
- Experience with Process Simulate or similar tools
- Understanding of facility layout validation and reach studies.
- Familiarity with FEA tools and structural validation
- Knowledge of pneumatic and electrical component selection
- Understanding of MFMEA and PFMEA methodologies
- Knowledge of fabrication, machining, welding, sheet metal, and assembly processes
- Ability to support production implementation and validation
- Familiarity with equipment safety standards and risk assessment practices
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Effective cross-functional collaboration and communication
- Self-starter with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset