Materials Engineer Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Materials 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 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.

Nice To Haves

• Master of Science in Materials 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, and assess material compatibility 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 in collaboration 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 the development, revision, and release of 2K structural adhesive and foam material specifications, accounting for new formulations and technologies, supplier changes, and program timing.
• Work with suppliers to define and track specification testing and timing plans, review test 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 with real-world performance to reduce warranty and field risk.
• Support adhesive dispensing process development and troubleshooting at supplier and plant levels, including bead geometry, flow rate, mix ratio, and cure time; coordinate 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 with 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.