Mechanical Joining Product Specialist

Research and Development Atlas Copco US – United States Auburn Hills

As a Mechanical Joining Product Specialist, you will be responsible for evaluating, developing, and optimizing joining solutions across a variety of materials and applications. You will combine your knowledge of metallurgy and joint performance with hands‑on experience working with joining equipment to drive innovative and reliable solutions. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on advanced joining technologies in both R&D and real‑world manufacturing environments while collaborating with cross‑functional teams and global partners.

This position reports to the Product Portfolio Manager.

• Evaluate, select, and implement mechanical joining technologies such as clinching, self‑pierce riveting (SPR), and flow‑drill fastening (FDS/FDF)
• Analyze material behavior and joint performance, including stress–strain relationships, loading conditions, and failure modes
• Conduct and support testing and validation to ensure joint strength, durability, and performance
• Interpret process data and equipment outputs to identify issues and drive continuous improvement
• Operate and troubleshoot joining equipment in lab and manufacturing environments
• Support integration of joining solutions with automation systems, including robots, PLCs, and vision systems
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and cross‑functional engineering teams to drive improvements to current products
• Provide technical guidance on process development, equipment selection, and production readiness
• Assist Marketing with technical expertise to create high‑quality promotional materials
• Stay current on emerging technologies, materials, and trends within the joining industry
• Lead launch activities in North America for new mechanical joining products and features

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, engineering, business, or a related field
• Strong understanding of mechanical joining processes and metallurgy fundamentals
• Ability to evaluate joining methods and recommend optimal solutions based on performance, cost, and manufacturability
• Experience analyzing stress–strain data and understanding material behavior under various loading conditions
• Hands‑on experience with testing, validation, and failure analysis of joints
• Familiarity with materials such as steel, aluminum sheet, and cast aluminum
• Experience operating and troubleshooting industrial or lab‑based joining equipment
• Working knowledge of automation systems (servo motors, pneumatics, sensors, safety circuits)
• Ability to interpret process data and translate findings into actionable improvements
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Expertise in one or more joining technologies (SPR, FDS/FDF, clinching)
• Familiarity with automation integration (robots, PLCs, vision systems)
• Cross‑functional expertise across mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering

• Experience with polymers, composites, or structural adhesives
• Background in R&D, product development, or equipment development
• Knowledge of welding or thermal joining processes (e.g., friction welding)

This role requires you to work on‑site at our office in Auburn Hills, Michigan.