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Job Description
Short Description
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.
Your day-to-day 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
Your skills and experience 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 Bonus qualifications for candidates to have: 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) We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We value diverse experiences and perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the role.
Your location
This role requires you to work on-site at our office in Auburn Hills, Michigan office. You will be part of a dynamic team and enjoy the benefits of face-to-face collaboration. Why it is great to work with us
Your career grows through your skills, your curiosity, and the people you work with. You join a global network where we learn from each other and share knowledge openly. We focus on long‑term development and encourage you to explore new ideas that help us move forward. Innovation is part of how we think and act - we test, improve, and use what we learn to create solutions that matter. You can make a meaningful impact by contributing with your insights and taking ownership of your work, supported by flexible ways of working and leaders who empower you. Uniting curious mindsBehind every innovative solution, there are people working together to transform the future. With careers sparked by initiative and lifelong learning, we unite curious minds, and you could be one of them.