FEA Material Trial Engineer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

20h • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented FEA & Material Engineer to join our team. This role is critical in providing comprehensive technical support and coordination for various material and process trials. The successful candidate will be instrumental in evaluating trial proposals, assessing part suitability, and the effect of the trial on production. This role seeks a candidate with strong hands-on experience as well as FEA skills.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering) or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in an engineering role, preferably within an automotive manufacturing or R&D environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of manufacturing processes, material properties, and testing methodologies related to FEA, hemming, and joining.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex technical data and proposals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical information to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and build strong working relationships.
• Highly organized with strong project coordination and time management abilities.
• Ability to travel to various stamping facilities as required (monthly or bi-weekly).

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor degree in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering) or a related technical field.
• Experience with FEA tools for Stamping Formability assessments
• Experience with quality tools such as Argus
• Knowledge of Ford's product development and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary technical resource regarding running FEA’s and assessing the effects of material changes on parts.
• Conduct thorough evaluations of trial proposals, specifically focusing on aspects such as stamping formability, strain, wrinkling, and process effects.
• Critically assess parts for their suitability in proposed trials, ensuring alignment with trial objectives and minimizing potential risks.
• Work in teams to develop strategic plans and guide part selection to minimize the number of required trials while ensuring comprehensive data collection and validation.
• Act as a key interface and technical liaison between Product Development (PD), Research & Innovation Center (RIC), Materials Engineering, Paint, and Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) teams to gather necessary technical support and insights.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees