Product Engineer Materials

Ford Motor Company • Dearborn, MI

1d • $65,100 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for developing and releasing bulk materials, with a focus on two-component (2K) structural adhesives and foams used in Battery Electric Vehicle battery packs. The engineer provides technical ownership of material specifications, supplier testing and data review, development of test methods, adhesive dispensing process support, and initiation of EHS and toxicological approval requests. The role directly supports Ford’s battery manufacturing plant and works with vehicle teams and core engineering to resolve material compatibility, warranty, production, and processing issues throughout a component or assembly’s life.

The position emphasizes collaboration with Ford Product Development and Battery Manufacturing Engineering, material and dispensing-equipment suppliers, purchasing, laboratory engineers, other materials engineers, EHS and Industrial Hygiene, and manufacturing plant personnel. Responsibilities also include releasing new technology materials that can lower cost or weight, improve quality, or contribute to Ford sustainability targets, and supporting CAE, virtual weight, and thermal modeling with qualified material data.

The position is hybrid, with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week. Visa sponsorship is not available. The stated salary ranges depend on the final salary grade: grade 5, $65,100–$109,300; grade 6, $74,300–$124,500; grade 7, $86,600–$144,900; and grade 8, $99,100–$166,200.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Material Science and Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry.
• At least 5 years of experience in Materials or Chemical Engineering involving bulk chemicals; sealers, adhesives, and foams, specifically 2K structural chemistries; or thermal interface materials.
• Knowledge of dispensable bulk-material manufacturing processes used in automotive applications, including dispensing equipment and process parameters such as bead geometry, flow rate, mix ratio, and cure.
• Experience working with suppliers on material specifications, test-plan execution, and test-data review.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
• Knowledge of statistical and data analysis and proficiency with related software tools.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with others.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility verification is required at hire.

Nice To Haves

• Master of Science degree in Material Science and Engineering, Materials Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.
• Knowledge of industry test methods and experience developing new test methods.
• Knowledge of corporate tools such as MATS, MSC, GMAP, FEDE, and TeamCenter.
• Experience supporting battery manufacturing plant launches and production issues.
• Ability to use AI tools, such as generative AI assistants and data analytics, to improve efficiency in specification drafting, test-data review, and technical problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate Ford OS behaviors of Excellence, Focus, and Collaboration.
• Develop and manage materials engineering foundation documents, including material and performance specifications, approved source lists, and Ford Laboratory Test Methods; update them to prevent recurrence of issues.
• Support development of material FEDE requirements and Design Rules.
• Describe the operating environment in which components and systems function.
• Describe compatibility of basic materials within Ford’s manufacturing and processing environment, including Tier 1 suppliers.
• Review and sign off on engineering drawings and Bills of Materials in TeamCenter.
• Review and sign off on Design Verification/Product Validation plans and part performance test reports.
• Provide root-cause analysis and materials and process expertise to resolve manufacturing and field issues, collaborating with Engineering, Supplier Technical Assistance, Program Vehicle Teams, Purchasing, and Research; initiate laboratory requests as needed.
• Support manufacturing site assessments, process development, and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with core engineering functions to develop or update test methods for improved field correlation and recurrence prevention.
• Own development, revision, and release of 2K structural adhesive and foam material specifications, keeping pace with formulations, technologies, supplier changes, and program timing.
• Work with suppliers to define and track specification testing and timing plans; review test data and results, identify non-conformances early, and drive deviation and root-cause resolution.
• Develop, validate, and standardize test methods for evolving adhesive and foam chemistries and battery-specific requirements, including electrical insulation, thermal management, and durable adhesion; correlate laboratory results to real-world performance.
• Support adhesive dispensing process development and troubleshooting, including bead geometry, flow rate, mix ratio, and cure time, at supplier and plant levels.
• Serve as a point of contact among material suppliers, dispensing-equipment suppliers, Product Development, R&A, and Battery Manufacturing Engineering.
• Partner with EHS and Industrial Hygiene to obtain toxicological numbers for new materials before full approval for plant use and manage review timelines.
• Support the Ford battery manufacturing plant through launch support, issue resolution, and process assessments.
• Support material cost-reduction initiatives and process innovations in collaboration with suppliers and Research.
• Approve and release new technology materials that lower cost, reduce weight, improve quality, or contribute to Ford sustainability targets.
• Support CAE, virtual weight, and thermal modeling activities with qualified material data.
• Participate in Materials Engineering Department training events and committees.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Paid parental leave, new-parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized backup childcare.
• 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