Research Engineer - Welding and Non-Destructive Evaluation

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

The Materials, Process, Structures & Safety organization within Ford Research and Advanced Engineering is seeking an employee to work in the Advanced Joining Research Department. The team delivers novel mechanical, thermal, and chemical joining solutions to reduce cost, improve quality, and enable Ford vehicle architectures and powertrains. The department comprises a multidisciplinary team of mechanical and materials engineers, adhesive and welding specialists, physicists, computer scientists, and laboratory technicians.

When new joining processes are developed, robust implementation in manufacturing requires the simultaneous introduction of non‑destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques. These NDE technologies are used to avoid otherwise costly destructive assessments that result in substantial scrap and increased labor. This position will support development of both welding solutions to enable Ford leadership in body structures and electrified powertrains, as well as the lock‑step delivery of novel, application‑centric NDE solutions.

• B.S. in Materials Science / Mechanical Engineering / Welding Engineering or B.S. in a related discipline with 3+ years welding research / welding engineering / non‑destructive testing experience

• Experience in welding of copper, aluminum, or high strength steels

• Experience in non‑destructive evaluation techniques, including X‑ray or ultrasonic inspection

• Demonstrated capability in data analysis and documentation of results

• Self‑starter with ability to handle complex assignments

• Exemplary written and oral communication skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and capability to excel on cross‑functional teams

• Passion for innovation

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related physical science field of study

• 5+ years of experience with non‑destructive evaluation methods

• 5+ years of experience with joining of metals

• Demonstrated capability in research or advanced development, including gap analyses and literature reviews, experimental scoping and design, joining and NDE trials, analysis and documentation of results

• Experience with automotive body construction methods or electrified powertrain manufacturing

• Experience in mechanical testing and metallurgical sample preparation and analysis

• Proficiency with statistical analysis packages

• Plant and/or laboratory experience

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we’ve outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a change maker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above?

No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

• 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.

For more information on salary and benefits,

This position is a range of salary grades6 - 8.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work…