Product Development Mechanical Joining SME

Ford•Dearborn, MI
•$86,600 - $166,200•Hybrid

About The Position

Ford Motor Company’s Core Vehicle Structural Systems organization, which includes Body Structures, Frames, and Battery Tray Sheetmetal, is seeking a Core Mechanical Joining Engineer specializing in body structure and sheetmetal mechanical joining. The engineer will serve as the Product Development mechanical joining subject matter expert, authoring and maintaining joining standards, quality documents such as DFMEAs and Control Plans, engineering specifications, and requirements such as Design Rules for Program Application teams. The role also includes developing new joining technologies for Structural Systems. Mechanical joining technologies include Flow Drill Screws (FDS), clinching, Self-Piercing Rivets (SPR), and Friction Element Welding (FEW). The engineer will partner with the Mechanical Joining Lab to assess joint feasibility for future programs, new joint stack-ups involving gauge, grade, and material, cost improvement opportunities, and ongoing production issues. The position is hybrid; candidates within commuting distance of a Ford hub location may be required to work onsite four or more days per week.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related physical science field.
  • At least 5 years of experience working with mechanical joining technologies.
  • At least 5 years of experience using CAD and PLM tools, including CATIA and Teamcenter.
  • Self-motivation and ability to work effectively with minimal oversight.
  • Collaborative team skills and experience delivering assignments within cross-functional teams.
  • Hands-on engineering approach.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret data.
  • Experience launching adhesives and sealers.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility verification is required at hire.

Nice To Haves

  • Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related physical science field.
  • At least 5 years of experience writing DFMEAs, SCCAFs, Engineering Specifications, and Design Rules.
  • At least 10 years of experience as a Joining Engineer or in a similar role.
  • Experience supporting multiple automotive vehicle launches.

Responsibilities

  • Author and maintain Design Rules and Engineering Specifications, updating them as needed.
  • Partner with Product Development Structures and Closures teams to develop feasible joint solutions for each program.
  • Coordinate joint feasibility testing with Manufacturing, suppliers, and external test laboratories.
  • Review and approve joint feasibility test results.
  • Serve as the primary mechanical joining subject matter expert within Product Development.
  • Collaborate with Research, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and suppliers to develop and implement new mechanical joining processes at Ford.
  • Lead or contribute to production issue resolution with Vehicle Operations, Materials, Supplier Technical Assistance, and Purchasing, including stop-ships, Field Service Actions, warranty concerns, and material shortages.
  • Incorporate lessons learned into quality documents.
  • Partner with the Mechanical Joining Lab to assess joint feasibility for future programs, new joint stack-ups, cost improvements, and production issues.

Benefits

  • Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
  • Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up 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
  • Paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
  • Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time
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