Transmission Contamination Lab Engineer

Transmission Contamination Lab Engineer 

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

In this position... 

The Transmission Contamination Lab Engineer is part of the group with Ford Motor Company that conducts contamination testing support product development of transmission, hybrid, and EV Power Unit components & assemblies.

Automatic Transmissions and Electric/Hybrid Power Units are highly sensitive to solid particle contamination that is inherent to the manufacturing process.  Proper requirements, controls, prevention, and detection are essential to ensure long-term function and success of Ford Motor Company’s Under Body Architectures.  As the Contamination Lab Engineer, you will own the detection portion of contamination topics as well as directly support requirements definition and ensuring proper controls and prevention are in place throughout the supply base and Ford Manufacturing.  Your work will span across Automatic Transmission, Axle, and Electric Drive Unit components and systems with an emphasis on accuracy and through-put ensuring that components, fluids, and manufacturing environments meet strict cleanliness specifications.

What you'll do...

Testing and Analysis

• Component Extraction: Perform cleanliness inspections by washing or flushing parts with pressurized liquids or ultrasonic baths to extract residual contaminants.
• Gravimetric Analysis: Use high-precision analytical balances to measure the total mass of particulate matter collected on membrane filters.
• Particle Counting: Utilize automated particle counters or microscopic systems to determine the size, quantity, and distribution of particles.
• Material Characterization: Identify the nature of contaminants (e.g., metallic vs. non-metallic, fibers vs. particles) using optical microscopes or SEM/EDX (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy).
• Fluid Analysis: Test oils and coolants for particulate levels and chemical degradation.

Documentation and Compliance

• Standard Adherence: Ensure all testing complies with industry standards such as ISO 16232 and ISO 4406 (Road vehicles — Cleanliness of components) 
• Reporting: Generate detailed technical reports that summarize findings and indicate whether a part "Passed" or "Failed" based on engineering specifications.
• Data Management: Enter results into Laboratory Request Systems to track and manage workflow.
• Non-Conformance Reporting: Flag batches of parts that exceed contamination limits and notify quality engineering or production teams.

Laboratory Maintenance

• Equipment Calibration: Regularly calibrate and maintain sensitive equipment, including analytical scales and particle counters.
• Cleanroom Management: Monitor and maintain cleanliness of the laboratory environment ensure testing is not compromised by outside debris.
• Chemical Handling: Safely manage, store, and dispose of solvents and chemicals used during the extraction process.
• Filter Preparation: Prepare and dry membrane filters in a controlled environment to ensure accurate baseline weights.

Quality Support and Troubleshooting

• Root Cause Analysis: Assist engineers in identifying the source of contamination (e.g., machining burrs, packaging debris, or environmental dust).
• Process Auditing: Occasionally sample the production environment or wash stations to verify that manufacturing cleaning processes are functioning correctly.
• Continuous Improvement: Suggest improvements for part handling or washing procedures to reduce the risk of contamination during assembly.

You'll have...

• Bachelor's degree
• 3+ years of experience with SEM (Scanning Electron Microscoping) techniques. 
• 3+ years of experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point).
• 1+ years of experience with ISO 16232 and ISO 4406 contamination standards.

Even better, you may have...

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Chemical or Materials engineering preferred.
• 5+ years of industry experience with automotive contamination inspection and controls.
• 5+ years of industry experience with automatic transmission components and sub-systems.
• Working knowledge of problem-solving methodologies (8D, fishbone, etc.)
• Self-starter who can identify improvements and is able to motivate others.
• Applicants should have good communication