Instrumentation Technician

Ford • Dearborn, MI

12h • $56,400 - $109,300 • Onsite

About The Position

Ford's Test Laboratory Engineering teams are seeking a highly skilled, detail-oriented, and motivated technician to join our Powertrain Development Team. This role combines emission system maintenance and repair with instrumentation installation, calibration, and troubleshooting to support engine dynamometer and chassis testing operations. The ideal candidate will ensure the accuracy and reliability of test data collected across the test facilities, playing a vital role in vehicle development and regulatory compliance efforts.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED
• 1+ years of experience in emission laboratory maintenance, site repair, instrumentation, metrology, electronics, or calibration of engine testing sensors
• Solid understanding of electronics, pneumatics, humidity, temperature, mechanics, basic chemistry, and modern diesel/gasoline engine operation, with the ability to read schematics/technical drawings and use related calibration and diagnostic equipment and basic hand tools.
• Experience with data acquisition systems in a testing environment, analytical & sampling systems, and diesel testing processes; competent in soldering and terminal crimping for custom cable and wiring assemblies.
• Proven ability to analyze and solve system issues, evaluate data, and support powertrain testing, combined with proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and other standard computer programs.
• Strong commitment to quality and safety, high attention to detail, and excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently or as part of a team and adapt to changing priorities.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree, or actively pursuing Technical Certificate in Instrumentation, Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automotive Technology, or a related field
• Additional lab, automotive, or test-specific experience (e.g., vibration, battery/high-voltage, engine/dynamometer, or wind tunnel testing)
• Strong communication, organizational, and technical writing skills, with the ability to present data to varied audiences
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, taking direction from multiple stakeholders
• Fabrication, diagnostic, or troubleshooting skills, and familiarity with test automation/control software
• Willingness to support off-shift or weekend work as needed, and physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work around test setups

Responsibilities

• Execute preventive maintenance, quality control, unscheduled maintenance, and repairs on emission systems, dynamometer/chassis test equipment, and test cell instrumentation across laboratories, coordinating with vendors as needed.
• Install, set up, configure, calibrate, and troubleshoot data acquisition systems, sensors, and measurement devices (e.g., digital voltmeters, flow meters, pressure calibrators, temperature readers, function generators) in engine dynamometer test rooms, including building and diagnosing custom cable and wiring assemblies.
• Support powertrain emissions development, U.S. Certification, Homologation, Vehicle Engineering (VE) problem resolution, and diesel/gasoline engine testing, while helping develop new equipment and test methodologies to meet evolving emissions and fuel economy requirements.
• Maintain daily site status logs, detailed calibration records, and traceability of calibration standards; manage inventory of consumables, spare parts, and equipment; safely handle precision compressed gas cylinders.
• Interface with Engineering and Operational teams to understand testing requirements, review data, and provide technical support; support a three-shift operation and cross-function across multiple laboratories as needed.
• Comfortable working in a test cell environment with exposure to noise, heat, and adverse ambient temperatures; able to lift/move up to 35 pounds and stand, walk, bend, and stoop for extended periods.

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: High school or GED