Ford Motor Company, a leading American automaker, seeks a Research Engineer – Joining CAE to join its Materials, Process, Structures & Safety organization within Ford Research & Advanced Engineering.

The successful candidate will work in the Advanced Joining Research Department, which delivers novel mechanical, thermal, and chemical joining solutions to reduce cost, improve quality, and enable Ford vehicle architectures and powertrains.

The role involves developing models and simulations of performance for joints to support analytical sign-off of components and vehicles. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing fundamental CAE models of automotive joints produced via novel mechanical, thermal, and chemical joining processes
• Designing experiments, conducting joining trials and correlation experiments, characterizing mechanical and metallurgical properties of joints and materials
• Conducting sensitivity analyses to determine impact of imperfections on joint attributes
• Working cross-functionally with other materials simulation experts to integrate material cards and models into safety CAE for different joining technologies
• Pursuing a balanced portfolio of long-term research and shorter-term development
• Collaborating with stakeholders in Product Development, suppliers, and IT to develop and implement advanced joining models and make improvements
• Benchmarking competitor models and simulations for joining performance
• Developing test methods and supporting engineering specification and design guideline development
• Identifying and implementing novel process improvements and protecting intellectual property
• Documenting findings via oral presentations and written technical reports

The ideal candidate will have:

• B.S. in Materials Science / Mechanical Engineering / Welding Engineering / Computer Science or a related discipline
• 3+ years of CAE modeling or joining simulation experience
• Experience in mechanical, thermal, or chemical joining technologies
• 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

Preferred qualifications include:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Computer Science, or a related physical science field of study
• 5+ years' experience in finite element methods, connection modeling, and joining of metals
• Demonstrated capability in research or advanced development, including gap analyses and literature reviews, experimental scoping and design, joining modeling and simulation, analysis, and documentation of results
• Experience with automotive body construction methods
• Experience in mechanical testing and metallurgical sample preparation and analysis
• Proficiency with statistical analysis packages
• Plant and/or laboratory experience

Benefits include:

• 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

The salary range for this position is $86,600-$144,900.