Network Engineering Senior Engineer
Location: 296 - Louisville Assembly Plant (LAP)
Location Address: 2000 Fern Valley Road , LOUISVILLE, KY, 40213
W2
Position Description:
New Model Launch Network Coordination Engineer The Ford Network Services organization is seeking an engineer to work as a New Model Launch Network Coordination Engineer for the large-scale Manufacturing Network project at the Louisville Assembly plant. Core Role Summary This individual will be central point of contact for the network services organization. They will coordinate all network-related readiness activities required for a new product/model launch, ensuring infrastructure (LAN, Wireless LAN, Cellular), connectivity, and systems integration are delivered on time, tested and validated, and aligned with launch milestones. The role blends technical coordination, project management, and manufacturing support. They will work closely with other Network and Manufacturing teams during equipment deployment and launch. The scope of responsibility will cover network infrastructure and technologies including: MDF Core, distribution, access layer networking (Wired) using Cisco Catalyst Center, Wi-Fi 7, and Commercial and Private Cellular. Key Responsibilities 1) Launch coordination & planning โข Develop and maintain launch timelines, milestones, and project deliverables โข Coordinate activities across Network Engineering/Planning/Operations, Manufacturing IT, Manufacturing and Networking Partners/Suppliers โข Track progress and ensure deadlines are met 2) Network & infrastructure readiness โข Ensure plant network infrastructure (IDFโs, switches, access points, cellular DAS, cabling, connectivity) is installed and configured โข Assist in coordinating provisioning of Network devices/systems โข Verify that all network devices/systems are functioning properly (end-to-end) and operating by design 3) Systems integration โข Ensure seamless data flow between: o Core MDF & Plant Floor Edge Switches, Wireless Controller & Access Points, Edge switches & Plant Floor device data cabling โข Support testing and validation of system integrations before launch 4) Cross-functional communication โข Act as a liaison between all project stakeholders -- Network Engineering/Planning/Operations, Manufacturing IT, Manufacturing and Networking Partners/Suppliers โข Lead touchpoint meetings, provide updates, and manage stakeholder expectations โข Translate technical issues into actionable items for different teams 5) Issue tracking & problem resolution โข Identify risks, gaps, and delays early in the launch process โข Lead troubleshooting efforts for network or system failures โข Escalate critical issues and coordinate quick resolution 6) Supplier & external coordination โข Work with Manufacturing IT and Manufacturing Stakeholders to ensure their systems and equipment integrate with plant networks โข Validate readiness for production support โข Ensure network infrastructure conforms with company standards 7) Testing & validation โข Support pre-production trials and pilot builds โข Verify system performance under real production conditions โข Ensure all network-dependent processes function correctly 8) Documentation & reporting โข Maintain and update network glidepaths, JIRA Epics/Stories, and launch documentation โข Provide regular status reports to project stakeholders and leadership โข Capture lessons learned for future launches In Simple Terms you make sure: โข Everything is connected โข Everyone is aligned โข Launch is successful
Skills Required:
Network - Mobile and Wireless, Network Protocols & Standards, Network Switches, Network Management Tools, Network Engineering, Cisco Networks, LAN (Local Area Network)
Experience Required:
The ideal candidate must possess the following skills: โข Strong project management skills, organizational skills, personal discipline, interpersonal relationship skills and communication skills (written and oral) โข In-depth knowledge of Cisco LAN and Wireless infrastructure and related systems including Catalyst 9k switches, Wi-Fi 7, Catalyst Center, and Identity Services Engine (ISE) โข In-depth understanding of networking and IP protocols (OSPF, BGP), Cisco Software Defined Networking (SD-Access) and Cisco Industrial switches โข In-depth knowledge of Cisco routing & switching, IOS-XE Software โข Exposure to Industrial Protocols (Ethernet IP and ProfiNet) โข Knowledge of network cabling (fiber and copper) industry standards โข Knowledge and Experience in SRE (Site Reliability Engineering) principles โข Knowledge and understanding of Palo Alto Network products (Firewall, Prisma Access) โข Knowledge of Commercial and Private Cellular systems โข Demonstrated experience troubleshooting enterprise wired and wireless networks in a break/fix environment โข Experience with Wi-Fi and Cellular deployment validation and troubleshooting
Education Required:
Bachelor's Degree
Education Preferred:
Additional Safety Training/Licensing/Personal Protection Requirements:
Additional Information :
The ideal candidate must possess the following skills: โข Strong project management skills, organizational skills, personal discipline, interpersonal relationship skills and communication skills (written and oral) โข In-depth knowledge of Cisco LAN and Wireless infrastructure and related systems including Catalyst 9k switches, Wi-Fi 7, Catalyst Center, and Identity Services Engine (ISE) โข In-depth understanding of networking and IP protocols (OSPF, BGP), Cisco Software Defined Networking (SD-Access) and Cisco Industrial switches โข In-depth knowledge of Cisco routing & switching, IOS-XE Software โข Exposure to Industrial Protocols (Ethernet IP and ProfiNet) โข Knowledge of network cabling (fiber and copper) industry standards โข Knowledge and Experience in SRE (Site Reliability Engineering) principles โข Knowledge and understanding of Palo Alto Network products (Firewall, Prisma Access) โข Knowledge of Commercial and Private Cellular systems โข Demonstrated experience troubleshooting enterprise wired and wireless networks in a break/fix environment โข Experience with Wi-Fi and Cellular deployment validation and troubleshooting โข Cisco CCNA preferred Minimum Requirements: โข Self-motivated, exercise good judgment and show initiative in resolving issues, knowing when to escalate. โข Ability to work under pressure at a fast-pace and meet strict deadlines โข Analytical thinking and problem-solving โข Excellent communication and stakeholder management โข Attention to detail and ability to work independently โข Have a strong customer focus Typical Work Environment: โข On-site at Louisville Assembly Plant โข Collaboration with IT teams, production teams, and suppliers โข Fast-paced, deadline-driven (especially near launch dates)