Research Engineer - Welding and Non-Destructive Evaluation

Research Engineer - Welding and Non-Destructive Evaluation

Join Ford Motor Company as a Research Engineer in the Materials, Process, Structures & Safety organization within Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. The team delivers novel mechanical, thermal, and chemical joining solutions to reduce cost, improve quality, and enable Ford vehicle architectures and powertrains.

• Develop novel welding, process monitoring, and non-destructive weld quality assessment techniques for eMotor and battery applications.
• Design experiments, conduct welding and inspection trials, characterize mechanical and metallurgical properties of joints, and perform statistical analyses to optimize welding processes and non-destructive evaluation methods.
• Pursue a balanced portfolio of long-term research and shorter-term development.
• Conduct gap analyses and evaluate business case for new processes.
• Collaborate with stakeholders in Product Development and Manufacturing to develop and implement advanced joining and NDE processes.
• Benchmark competitor joint execution and quality.
• Develop test methods; support engineering specification and design guideline development.
• Identify and implement novel process improvements and protect intellectual property.
• Assess process robustness to key manufacturing variables and support plant trials of new technologies.
• Document findings via oral presentations and written technical reports.

• B.S. in Materials Science / Mechanical Engineering / Welding Engineering or 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 related physical science field.
• 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.

• 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.

This position is a range of salary grades 6 - 8.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.

Seniority level:
Associate

Employment type:

Full-time

Job function:
Engineering and Information Technology

Industry: Motor Vehicle Manufacturing