Pretreatment & Electrocoat Manufacturing Engineer

Ford Ford · Auto · Dearborn, MI +1 · Manufacturing

This role focuses on the engineering and optimization of pretreatment and electrocoat systems in automotive assembly plants. Responsibilities include process development, technology research for anti-corrosion, performance analysis, CFD simulation for coating optimization, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and project management for manufacturing lines. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering and experience with E-Coat systems, coating processes, DOE, and CAD/CFD software.

What you'd actually do

  1. Manage and update all related Ford Specifications/Standards. Lead PTED engineering from concept to production, creating optimized pretreatment and electrocoat systems to streamline manufacturing .
  2. Develop novel pretreatment and anti-corrosion technologies, improving equipment design, materials, and simulation methods.
  3. Analyze chemical consumption, heat requirements, flow rates, deposition rates, corrosion resistance, and adhesion performance.
  4. Use CFD software for fluid dynamics, drainage, spray coverage, throw power, and coating thickness optimization.
  5. Design PTED systems compliant with safety regulations, hazard classifications, fire codes, and mechanical codes.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Chemical) or equivalent work experience.
  • Min of 4+ years of experience in E-Coat systems.
  • Experience with functional/aesthetic coating processes, including automotive painting.
  • Proficiency in Design of Experiments (DOE) for process optimization.
  • Knowledge of hazardous area classification, fire and mechanical codes, filtration, and ventilation systems.
  • Proficient in 2D/3D modeling software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, Inventor, ProE, AutoCAD) and CFD software (e.g., Ansys, Autodesk CFD).
  • Skills in pressure drop calculations, application flow rates, piping system design, and mechanical equipment design.