Fabrication & Aero Technician
- Job ID
- 73049
- Location
- Allen Park, Michigan
- Category
- PD Operations and Quality
Overview
At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move.
- Job Type: Full time
- Work Type: Hybrid
We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
Product Creation and Industrialization (PC&I) brings together Ford’s vehicle, electric, digital and design teams with our global manufacturing system. Working as one end-to-end organization, we turn ideas into high-quality vehicles, software and experiences across gas, hybrid and electric, designed around what customers need.
In this position...
The Aerodynamics Fabrication Technician will report to the Prototype Operations Manager and will support Advanced EV (ADVEV) development teams in two primary capacities:
Work at the direction of the Lead Aerodynamics Prototype Technician to support the Experimental Aerodynamics team in wind tunnel testing of new vehicle models. You will support test article build and wind tunnel test technical support. Test articles are typically full-scale vehicle models consisting of a steel frame fitted with fabricated, machined and 3D printed components representing the exterior surfaces of the vehicle. Components are a combination of wood, high density foam, 3D printed plastics, composite layups, and various fabricated parts and brackets. Each model is fully instrumented to capture air pressure and other data. Test articles may also be prototype vehicles outfitted and adapted for wind tunnel testing.
Work at the direction of the Prototype Operations Manager to support teams beyond Experimental Aerodynamics with the development and testing of next generation electric vehicles. Utilize our in-house fabrication space, tools, and equipment to fabricate prototype parts, test articles, and test equipment. When required the Prototype Technician will also manage outsourcing of prototype production, whether internally within Ford or externally to approved vendors.
What you'll do...
- Adhere to safety procedures and training to ensure a healthy and safe work environment.
- Collaborate freely, honestly, and easily with an extended team to accomplish work objectives.
- Be open to changing priorities and flexible to changing assignments.
- Demonstrate a high level of responsibility and self-sufficiency as you manage your assignments.
- Use shop equipment to construct prototype parts, test articles, and test equipment. This includes manual lathes, manual mills, CNC mills, CNC routers, CNC water jet, CNC laser, sheet metal break and shear, iron worker, TIG/MIG welders, thermo-former, 3D printers, bandsaws, general woodworking equipment, spray finishing equipment, soldering and electronics assembly tools, vehicle lifts and garage equipment, and myriad hand tools.
- Fabricate and prepare parts for full-scale wind tunnel models.
- Perform basic automotive setup tasks such as alignments and part changes.
- Assemble and debug test equipment, hardware, and instrumentation systems. Design and build test fixtures and assembly tools.
- Help transport test articles, tools, and supplies to and from test locations.
- Work with vendors to support prototyping and testing efforts.
- Lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
You'll have...
- An eagerness to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where you are part of a high-performing team.
- Solid work ethic and innate sense of urgency.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to self-manage work assignments and deliver to deadlines.
- 5+ years of fabrication and hardware prototyping experience.
- Experience in mechanical prototyping, and machining.
- Experience with shop/lab equipment installation and maintenance.
- Basic literacy with CAD programs. (able to navigate an assembly, view parts, take measurements).
- Familiarity prepping CAD models for 3D printing and operating 3D printers, or ability to learn.
Even better, you may have...
- Hands-on experience building and launching automotive products and vehicle prototyping.
- Strong background in welding and general fabrication.
- Competent as a manual and CNC prototype / job shop machinist.
- Experience with CAM software and programming (Master Cam, Fusion 360, etc.).
- Competency using Autodesk Fusion 360 and Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE.
- Competency using Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW or other vector art drawing program.
- Experience in machine repair and calibration.
- Experience in professional model making.
- Experience in auto restoration.
- Experience in automotive body work and finish application.
- Experience in automotive service and repair.
- Experience in auto racing.
- Experience in auto restoration and custom car fabrication.
- Experience in aircraft construction (metal, wood, composite).
- Experience in woodworking.
- Experience with composite layup and construction.
- Experience in sheet metal work.
- Experience in mechanical design.
- Experience in DC electronics design/fabrication and mechatronics.
- Skill in soldering and electronic harness assembly.
- A system approach to design and development with the desire and curiosity to strive for exceptional delivery execution and continuous improvement.
- Associate’s degree or professional certification in a technical field.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent 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 changemaker, 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
• 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
• Generous vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day
This position is a salary grade 5 and ranges from $65,100-$109,300.,
This position is a salary grade 6 and ranges from $74,300-$124,500.,
This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $86,600-$144,900.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR
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 1-888-336-0660.
This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid
#LI-BB1 #UEV
Looking for jobs tailored to you?
Upload Your ResumeChange the world with your ideas.
Speak up. We’re listening. At Ford, we believe the right ideas, and the people behind them, can move an entire industry. Here, you'll work with teams who value your voice, push bold ideas forward, and leave a mark that lasts.
Support designed to go the distance.
From day one, Ford invests in you with medical benefits built to help you plan for what’s next. You’ll also get support for you and your family that meets you at every step, so you can move forward with confidence.
-
Health and Wellness
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, mental health, and unique wellness perks keep you and your family supported every step of the way.
-
Financial and Retirement Programs
Build a strong financial future with robust retirement contributions, savings programs, and free personalized financial planning tools.
-
Flexible Vacation and Holidays
Enjoy your time away from work with generous vacation, holidays, and flexible family leave designed to help you balance life and work with ease.
-
Vehicle Discount Program
The best thing about building great products is driving them! The second-best thing: sharing your discount with family and friends so they can drive them, too.
-
Family Growth and Support
Grow your family confidently with fertility, surrogacy, and adoption assistance, paid parental leave, and a supportive new-parent ramp-up program.
-
Additional Programs
Enjoy unexpected extras like pet insurance, legal services, identity protection, and access to convenient health and wellness services.
Testimonial
Ford gives me the space to innovate, to lead, and to serve — all while staying true to who I am as an engineer, educator, and parent. It’s not just a career; it’s a community that drives change.
Related Content
-
Read our Tailgate Tale
For nearly a century, Ford engineers have adapted and improved tailgate experiences to meet the needs of station wagon, SUV and truck customers. -
Making History
Women of Ford: 1950s-1980s Looking to the women of the past to inspire our future. -
Follow Her Lead
Women of Ford: 1990s-2020s Looking to the women of the past to inspire our future. -
Ford Canada
Discover career opportunities at Ford of Canada across manufacturing, engineering, software development, skilled trades, and corporate functions. Learn about internships, training programs, and why Ford is recognized as a top employer in Canada. -
Ford Mexico
Ya sea que estés comenzando tu carrera o buscando dar el siguiente paso, Ford of Mexico te brinda la oportunidad de trabajar junto a equipos talentosos que están definiendo los vehículos y las tecnologías del mañana. Explora las vacantes disponibles y descubre programas diseñados para ayudarte a crecer, desarrollar nuevas habilidades y generar un impacto real. -
BlueOval Battery Park Michigan
Discover career opportunities at BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, America’s first automaker-backed LFP battery plant. We’re creating 1,700 new jobs to build the next generation of Ford electric vehicles, foster innovation, and strengthen our community. -
Ford US
Explore why Ford is America's most iconic company. Learn about our iconic history, innovative culture, and available roles across the U.S. and globally. -
Life in Michigan
Discover exciting career opportunities at Ford in Michigan, where history meets high-tech innovation. From our World Headquarters to iconic manufacturing hubs, join a global team shaping the future of mobility in the place where it all began. -
Ford Design
Explore rewarding design careers at Ford, where innovation meets customer-centric experiences. Join a global team in Dearborn, Shanghai, Melbourne, and more to create must-have products and iconic vehicles. -
Human Resources
Explore exciting HR career opportunities at Ford. Whether you're coaching leaders or shaping workforce strategies, Ford offers a dynamic environment where you can accelerate your career with an iconic brand. -
Ford Business Solutions India
Explore rewarding career opportunities at Ford Business Solutions, India. Join a global hub of technology and business services with over 12,000 employees. Whether you’re an expert in AI, digital marketing, or financial analysis, work on transformative projects that redefine industry boundaries. -
Kansas City Assembly Plant
Join the team building America’s best-selling vehicles like the Ford F-150 and Ford Transit at Kansas City Assembly Plant (KCAP) in Claycomo, Missouri. From skilled trades and hourly production roles to salaried professional positions, KCAP offers comprehensive benefits and a pathway to build your own legacy. -
Vehicle Hardware Engineering
Build the future with Ford’s VHE team. Develop electric vehicles, driver-assist features, and smart mobility solutions. Join a global team of engineers shaping tomorrow’s cars. -
Ford Argentina
Discover a career at Ford Argentina, where over 100 years of legacy meets Manufacturing 4.0 innovation. Ford Argentina offers transformative opportunities in manufacturing, engineering, product development, and marketing. With programs designed for personal and professional growth, Ford empowers employees to thrive. -
Ford Argentina
Súmate a equipos excepcionales que trabajan todos los días para definir el futuro de la movilidad. Descubre las oportunidades de carrera que Ford Argentina tiene para ti y sé parte de una compañía que combina tradición, innovación y visión de futuro. -
Ford Brazil
Explore tech careers, internships, and training programs at Ford Brazil. Join a team driving innovation in connectivity, electrification, and community impact. -
Ford Brazil
Explore carreiras em tecnologia, estágios e programas de treinamento na Ford Brasil. Junte-se a uma equipe que impulsiona a inovação em conectividade, eletrificação e impacto na comunidade. -
Ford UK
Discover rewarding career opportunities at Ford UK, the nation’s number one car and commercial vehicle manufacturer. Learn about our culture of innovation, community engagement, and well-being, and find jobs aligned with your skills and passions. -
We Sent 4 Interns Off Road on Our Testing Grounds
Our communications interns were sent out to the proving grounds to put their off-roading assumptions to the test. Learn how they discovered what drivers actually need from their in-vehicle tech when the pavement ends. -
Real interns. Real work. Real impact.
Ford interns share what it's actually like to work here, from helping shape the next-gen Bronco to building tools that save engineers time. No coffee runs, just real projects and real teams invested in their growth. -
From Tiaras to Transmissions
Meet Grace Hanke: Ford engineering intern by day, Miss Michigan by night. She's balancing hands-on work on the Vehicle Hardware Engineering team with pageant prep, all while championing her own initiative, to inspire young women in STEM. See how she's turning two worlds into one powerful story of leadership and drive. -
Ford Deepens Commitment to Kentucky with New Investment in Manufacturing Growth
We're investing $1 billion for a new state-of-the-art paint shop at Kentucky Truck Plant, bringing our total of recent investment in the state to approximately $5 billion. For more than a century, Ford and Kentucky have grown together, and we’re proud to be Kentucky’s largest auto manufacturer, with more than 11,500 employees. -
Ford Manufacturing
Discover manufacturing careers at Ford where teamwork, continuous learning, and pride in craft drive success. From assembly lines and skilled trades to engineering and plant leadership, Ford offers comprehensive benefits, clear expectations, and careers built to last. -
Six Teams. Six Branches of the Military. One Legendary Track.
Ford, in collaboration with NASCAR, Blue Star Families, IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) and HSR (Historic Sportscar Racing), is bringing together motorsports, music and a shared mission of military support for one unforgettable night, all in support of our service members, veterans and their families.
Jobs For You.
Explore roles tailored to your interests, based on your preferences and experience.
-
Laser Welding & Robotic Programming Technician
- Long Beach, California
-
Dyno Technician
- Long Beach, California
-
Fabrication & Aero Technician
- Allen Park, Michigan
-
EE Harness / Prototype Wiring Specialist
- Long Beach, California