JOB DESCRIPTION
We are looking for a Senior Industrial Engineer – Launch passionate about workforce optimization, ergonomics, and flawless new-program launches. In this role, you will be the technical leader and strategist ensuring that launch programs start with the optimal hourly headcount distribution, based on workload studies, capacity analysis (JPH, R@R, cycle time) and ergonomic evaluations that minimize injury risk. You will cover all the areas of the program (Example: Stator, Rotor, Inverter, Final Assembly and Testing areas), with support to MP&L;, Plant Engineering and Maintenance. You will also be the plant’s representative before Integral Industrial Engineering (HPU, headcount, workloads, glidepath) and will coach the local IE and Process Engineering teams to unify one Industrial Engineering philosophy. The position reports to the Launch Team Manager / Manufacturing Engineering Team Manager and may supervise 0 to 2 specialized skilled-trades technicians. RESPONSIBILITIES Ergonomics and Safety:
- Evaluate workstation design for motion optimization and process flow; run in-depth ergonomic analyses and ensure global ergonomic standards and line capacity (cycle time, JPH) are met.
- Lead the Local Ergonomics Committee (LEC) and keep ergonomic evaluations current, in compliance with Mexican legislation and global standards.
- Prioritize program-specific risks (pallet handling, manual loading of gear sets/housings, hot parts after induction heating, ESD) and coordinate with the Safety SME.
- Support return-to-work and restricted-duty employees through workstation compatibility assessments and the Restricted Workstation Allocation Matrix. Capacity Analysis and Line Balancing:
- Run capacity studies to define optimal operating patterns, KPIs (JPH, R@R, cycle times)



and required headcount to meet customer volume; update the annual Get Ready and shift-pattern strategies.
- Balance stations and operators for high-variant product mix (Example: Yamazumi, Dot Maps) and assess the impact of new stations (Example: cooling tunnel, induction, noise and leak testing).
- Monitor cycle-time targets, bottlenecks, over-cycles and micro-stops; identify constraints to prioritize planned maintenance; support BBQ (Backup, Bypass, Quick Recovery) strategies and SMED workshops. Launch Readiness (Run-offs, PTR and Ramp-up):
- Participate in run-offs and weekly EVP meetings at OEM/supplier sites to validate times, ergonomics, accessibility and workload before equipment arrives at the plant.
- Support PTR1, PTR2 and PTR3 and the Ramp-up Curve (RoC), adjusting headcount and line balancing at each step; act as IE SME in Workstation Readiness (FAP 02-100), ensuring no station with unmitigated ergonomic risk is released to mass production.
- Lead the plant Staffing Model for future programs (LQOS 812) and take part in early involvement and virtual co-design with PTME/ME. Standard Work, Documentation and Change Management:
- Verify that standardized methods match the documented process design (GSPAS-APT/Easy Plan, OIS/JSA/WES) and review PFMEA, DCP and SCCAF consistency (LQOS 818) to support Launch Readiness.
- Quantify the cost, efficiency and ergonomic impact of product/process changes (WERS/MTC) so they are introduced robustly.




- Lead the administration of GSPAS-APT and Easy Plan databases, keeping a single source of truth for volumes, time studies and staffing. Headcount Strategy and Efficiency Projects:
- Define medium
- and long-term headcount (RTO), plant capacity and operating patterns with Operations, MP&L;, Plant Engineering, Maintenance and HR; represent the plant in Global IE forums.
- Identify waste (VA vs. NVA) and efficiency projects, and help Process Engineers build business cases for automation, redesign or rebalancing without capacity loss or ergonomic risk. Leadership and People Development:
- Coach IEs and Process Engineers (Ergo 101, MODAPTS, workstation optimization), support workforce readiness and training plans, and drive internal/external benchmarking of lean and ergonomics practices.
- Support the Launch Manager at peak workloads (CCAR/AIM follow-up, WSR, lessons learned, layouts and material flow) and leave the method and learnings ready for future programs. QUALIFICATIONS
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Education:
Bachelor’s degree in industrial, Process, Mechanical, Mechatronics or Robotics Engineering, or a related field. 1. Desirable: Lean / Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt), MODAPTS, ergonomics, or a related postgraduate degree.
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Experience:
Minimum 3 years in automotive manufacturing in Industrial Engineering, constraint management, capacity planning and ergonomic evaluations; proven participation in at least one new line launch or major modification (from PTR1 through ramp-up). Experience in highly automated assembly (robots, 2D/3D vision, torque/press monitoring, EOL/leak testing) and high-variant-mix lines. 1. Desirable: powertrain/electrification (electric motors, inverters, transmiss

📌 Launch Industrial Engineer (Irapuato)
🏢 Ford
📍 Irapuato