Fabrication & Aero Technician

Ford • Allen Park, MI

5d • $65,100 - $144,900 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Aerodynamics Fabrication Technician supports Ford’s Advanced EV development teams in two primary capacities. Under the direction of the Lead Aerodynamics Prototype Technician, the role supports the Experimental Aerodynamics team with wind tunnel testing of new vehicle models, including test-article construction and technical support during testing. Test articles are typically full-scale vehicle models built on steel frames with fabricated, machined, and 3D-printed components. Materials may include wood, high-density foam, 3D-printed plastics, composite layups, and fabricated parts and brackets. Models are instrumented to capture air pressure and other data; test articles may also include prototype vehicles adapted for wind tunnel testing.

Under the direction of the Prototype Operations Manager, the technician supports other teams developing and testing next-generation electric vehicles. The role uses Ford’s in-house fabrication space, tools, and equipment to make prototype parts, test articles, and test equipment. When needed, the technician manages outsourced prototype production through Ford or approved external vendors.

The position is hybrid and requires onsite work four or more days per week. It requires lifting at least 50 pounds.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of fabrication and hardware prototyping experience.
• Experience in mechanical prototyping and machining.
• Experience with shop or laboratory equipment installation and maintenance.
• Basic CAD literacy, including navigating assemblies, viewing parts, and taking measurements.
• Familiarity with preparing CAD models for 3D printing and operating 3D printers, or the ability to learn.
• Eagerness to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced, dynamic environment as part of a high-performing team.
• Solid work ethic and an innate sense of urgency.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to self-manage work assignments and deliver to deadlines.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility verification is required at hire.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience building and launching automotive products and with vehicle prototyping.
• Strong background in welding and general fabrication.
• Competence as a manual and CNC prototype or job-shop machinist.
• Experience with CAM software and programming, such as Mastercam or Fusion 360.
• Competence using Autodesk Fusion 360 and Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE.
• Competence using Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or another vector-art drawing program.
• Experience in machine repair and calibration.
• Experience in professional model making.
• Experience in auto restoration.
• Experience in automotive bodywork and finish application.
• Experience in automotive service and repair.
• Experience in auto racing.
• Experience in auto restoration and custom car fabrication.
• Experience in aircraft construction using metal, wood, or composites.
• Experience in woodworking.
• Experience with composite layup and construction.
• Experience in sheet metal work.
• Experience in mechanical design.
• Experience in DC electronics design or fabrication and mechatronics.
• Skill in soldering and electronic harness assembly.
• A systems approach to design and development, with curiosity and a commitment to exceptional execution and continuous improvement.
• An associate’s degree or professional certification in a technical field.
• A bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety procedures and training to maintain a healthy and safe work environment.
• Collaborate with the extended team and adapt to changing priorities and assignments.
• Manage assignments responsibly and independently, and deliver work to deadlines.
• Use shop equipment to construct prototype parts, test articles, and test equipment.
• Fabricate and prepare parts for full-scale wind tunnel models.
• Perform basic automotive setup tasks, including alignments and part changes.
• Assemble and debug test equipment, hardware, and instrumentation systems.
• Design and build test fixtures and assembly tools.
• Help transport test articles, tools, and supplies to and from test locations.
• Work with vendors to support prototyping and testing efforts.
• Manage outsourced prototype production through internal Ford teams or approved external vendors when required.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Paid parental leave, new-parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized backup child care.
• Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• Vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including time between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed