FPS and Launch Specialist

We are seeking a highly motivated Value Stream Mapping (VSM) Specialist to support manufacturing teams in identifying waste, improving process flow, and enabling continuous improvement. The VSM Specialist will work directly with plant operations, engineering, quality, and cross-functional teams to map current-state processes, design future-state value streams, and drive implementation of improvement actions.

This role is ideal for an early-career Lean practitioner looking to deepen their expertise and contribute to high-impact operational improvement initiatives across Ford manufacturing sites.

What you’ll do…

Value Stream Mapping

• Conduct current-state and future-state Value Stream Mapping events at the process, department, and system levels within Ford manufacturing plants.
• Document material and information flow, identify bottlenecks, and highlight improvement opportunities.
• Support teams in developing actionable implementation plans based on VSM outcomes.

Continuous Improvement & Kaizen Support

• Assist in planning and facilitating kaizen workshops at manufacturing plants with a focus on quality, productivity, flow, safety, and standardization.
• Partner with operations teams to execute improvement actions identified through VSM and kaizen events.
• Track progress, remove roadblocks, and report results to leadership.

Data Analysis & Process Support

• Collect and analyze process data to validate improvement needs and measure impact.
• Support manufacturing teams with Lean tools such as 5S, standard work, problem-solving, and visual management.
• Maintain documentation and sustainment plans for continuous improvement activities.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with plant leadership, engineers, team leaders, and other stakeholders
• Communicate findings clearly through presentations, reports, and visual tools. Uphold Lean principles and assist in strengthening the continuous improvement culture across sites.

• Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science, Engineering, Industrial Technology, Math, Physics, Chemistry, or Biochemistry.
• Strong knowledge of Lean principles with foundational experience in Value Stream Mapping.
• 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment (automotive experience preferred).
• Ability to analyze processes, interpret data, and identify improvement opportunities.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 50-65% to support multiple Ford manufacturing sites.

Even better, you may have…

• Exposure to Lean tools such as 5S, kaizen, standard work, and root cause analysis. Experience participating in or co-facilitating VSM or kaizen events. Lean certification (Yellow Belt or Green Belt) is a plus.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio (or similar mapping tools).
• 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!

4.04.0 out of 5 stars Dearborn, MI Hybrid work $72,480 - $162,120 a year - Full-time, Pulled from the full job description

• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid parental leave
• Prescription drug insurance
• Parental leave
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

• Employee discount, 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 6 and ranges from $72,480-121,440., This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $84,480-141,360., This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $96,720-162,120.

At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation-grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move., We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. 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?

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.