Operational Efficiency Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Paint Engineering is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Paint Benchmarking & Cost Optimization Engineer to join our team. This role is focused on driving continuous improvement across our Paint operations through rigorous benchmarking of quality, facility performance, and cost structures. The successful candidate will bring strong technical knowledge of automotive paint processes and facilities, financial literacy, and the ability to translate data-driven insights into actionable cost optimization recommendations for engineering and manufacturing teams.

This position will require significant travel to benchmark facilities, gather competitive and internal performance data, and collaborate directly with plant and engineering teams to identify opportunities for quality improvement and cost efficiency. Conduct benchmarking studies on Paint quality, facility performance, and process cost across internal plants and external/industry comparisons. Analyze facility and process data to identify cost optimization opportunities within Paint operations.

Apply a strong understanding of Automotive Paint Process & Facilities to evaluate current-state performance and identify improvement opportunities. Leverage AI tools and data analytics platforms to accelerate benchmarking analysis, uncover trends, and support decision-making. Support Capital Efficient Cost initiatives by identifying facility and process improvements that reduce capital and operating expense without compromising quality.

Apply financial literacy to evaluate cost/benefit tradeoffs, build business cases, and support investment decisions tied to benchmarking findings. Prepare clear, data-driven presentations and reports summarizing benchmarking results, cost optimization opportunities, and recommendations for engineering and manufacturing leadership. Travel to plants and supplier/benchmark sites (approximately 50% of the time) to gather firsthand data, validate findings, and build cross-functional relationships.

Collaborate with Paint Facility Design, Paint Automation, and Paint Facility Simulation teams to ensure benchmarking insights are incorporated into future facility planning. Track and report on cost optimization initiatives over time, ensuring sustained improvement and accountability for results. 4-Year Engineering Degree, OR a minimum of 3 years of Automotive Paint experience or related experience.

Strong understanding of Automotive Paint Process & Facilities. Demonstrated financial literacy, with the ability to interpret cost data and build sound business cases. Experience or strong aptitude in using AI tools to support data analysis and decision making.

Strong presentation preparation skills, with the ability to translate technical and financial data into clear, actionable insights. Demonstrated focus on cost efficiency and continuous improvement. Willingness and ability to travel approximately 50% of the time.

Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills. 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 7-8 and ranges from $86,600-$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

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.

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