Mechanical Joining Product Specialist

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

• 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.