Applied Optimization Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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.

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 highimpact operational improvement initiatives across Ford manufacturing sites.

You'll have...

• Expert in Lean tools such as 5S, kaizen, standard work, and root cause analysis.
• Experience participating in or co-facilitating VSM or kaizen events.
  Foundational value stream mapping experience in workshops and execution current and future state, Kaizen facilitation
• Strong knowledge of problem-solving and root cause analysis
• Kaizen application, facilitation and workshop execution experience
• Bachelor's degree in Applied Science, Engineering, or Industrial Technology
• 2 or more 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 manufacturing sites.

   Even better, you may have...
 

• 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!
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 8 and ranges from $96,720-162,120.
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.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. 

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What you'll do...

 Value Stream Mapping

• Conduct current-state and future-state Value Stream Mapping events at the process, department, and system levels.
• 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 focused 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.