Material Trial Engineer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

17h • $63,480 - $162,120 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Material Engineer to join our team. Reporting directly to the Trial Specialist, this role is critical in providing comprehensive technical support and coordination for various material and process trials. The successful candidate will be instrumental in evaluating trial proposals, assessing part suitability, and developing strategies to optimize trial efficiency, ultimately contributing to accelerated product development and manufacturing excellence. This role seeks a candidate with strong hands on experience as well as CAE skills and the ability to evaluate proposals from both views.
Key Responsibilities:

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering) or a related technical field.
• [Specify desired years, e.g., 2+] years of experience in an engineering role, preferably within an automotive manufacturing or R&D environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of manufacturing processes, material properties, and testing methodologies related to bond durability, CAE, hemming, joining, and paint compatibility.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex technical data and proposals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical information to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and build strong working relationships.
• Highly organized with strong project coordination and time management abilities.
• Ability to travel to various stamping facilities as required (monthly or bi-weekly).

Nice To Haves

• Experience with trial management systems or project management tools.
• Experience with FEA tools for Stamping Formability assessments
• Experience with quality tools such as Argus
• Knowledge of Ford's product development and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Technical Support & Coordination: Serve as a primary technical resource, coordinating activities and providing essential support throughout the trial lifecycle.
• Trial Proposal Evaluation: Conduct thorough evaluations of trial proposals, specifically focusing on aspects such as bond durability, Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) analysis, hemming processes, joining techniques, and paint compatibility.
• Part Suitability Assessment: Critically assess parts for their suitability in proposed trials, ensuring alignment with trial objectives and minimizing potential risks.
• Trial Optimization & Planning: Develop strategic plans and guide part selection to minimize the number of required trials while ensuring comprehensive data collection and validation.
• Cross-Functional Interface: Act as a key interface and technical liaison between Product Development (PD), Research & Innovation Center (RIC), Materials Engineering, Paint, and Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) teams to gather necessary technical support and insights.
• Trial Status Monitoring: Support the TLTS Specialist by attending trial meetings at the nine stamping facilities, tracking and providing regular updates (monthly or bi-weekly) on trial statuses and progress.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level