ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Tribology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Freudenberg Group

Tribologist

Londonderry, NH · On-site

Set up and run tribology test equipment and undertake data collection, analysis and reporting. * Participate and give technical guidance for product development. * Provide tribology support to ...

Freudenberg

Tribologist

Londonderry, NH · On-site

Set up and run tribology test equipment and undertake data collection, analysis and reporting. * Participate and give technical guidance for product development. * Provide tribology support to ...

Freeport McMoRan

Senior Tribology Technician

Safford, AZ · On-site

$37 - $50/hr

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you'll find a ...

Timken

Research & Development Engineer

Thorofare, NJ · On-site

$76K - $93K/yr

Use simulation tools (FEA, tribology modeling) for design optimization * Prepare technical reports, specifications, and design documentation * Maintain records of R&D activities, trials, and test ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTribology Jobs

Tribology information

See salary details

$66.5K

$102.2K

$150K

How much do tribology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for tribology in the United States is $102,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is tribology?

A Tribology job involves studying friction, wear, and lubrication in mechanical systems to improve efficiency and longevity. Professionals in this field work in industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy, focusing on optimizing materials and lubricants. They conduct research, analyze surface interactions, and develop solutions to minimize mechanical losses. Tribologists often collaborate with engineers and scientists to enhance machinery performance and reduce maintenance costs.

How much do tribology engineers make?

Tribology engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and industry. Senior or specialized roles can pay higher, especially in research, development, or consulting environments. Certifications and proficiency with simulation tools may also influence salary levels.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in tribology?

Tribology professionals often encounter challenges such as diagnosing the root causes of unexpected wear, friction, or lubrication failures in complex mechanical systems. They must balance the need for innovative solutions with strict industry standards and tight project timelines, all while staying current with evolving materials and technologies. Working closely with engineers, materials scientists, and manufacturers, tribologists engage in hands-on testing, data analysis, and iterative problem-solving. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for enhancing reliability, efficiency, and lifespan of equipment across various industries.

What does a tribology do?

A tribologist studies friction, wear, and lubrication of surfaces in contact, often working to improve the performance and lifespan of mechanical components. They analyze material interactions, use specialized testing equipment, and may develop new lubricants or surface treatments to reduce wear and energy loss.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the tribology position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a tribology role, a strong background in mechanical engineering, materials science, or chemical engineering and expertise in surface interactions, lubrication, and wear mechanisms is essential. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as profilometers, scanning electron microscopes, tribometers, and relevant software like CAD and finite element analysis tools is highly valuable. Effective problem-solving, attention to detail, and communication skills help tribology professionals collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and present findings clearly. These abilities are vital for innovating and optimizing components in industries such as automotive, aerospace, or manufacturing, where reducing friction and wear are critical to performance and efficiency.

More about Tribology jobs
What cities are hiring for Tribology jobs? Cities with the most Tribology job openings:
What states have the most Tribology jobs? States with the most job openings for Tribology jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tribology jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tribology jobs are:
Tribology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tribology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,249 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Technical Expert - Lubricants & Tribology

Ford Motor Company

Livonia, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description


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 Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more!
The Technical Expert - Lubricants & Tribology role will support global Transmission, Driveline, Power Unit and Axle systems & components engineering. This role will contribute key insights into component and system failure modes related to wear mechanisms, as well as review & publish design rules for mechanical components in order to improve robustness, durability, and reliability of Transmission, Driveline, Power Unit, and Axle systems. This role will own & maintain a global library of lubricants (greases, oils, fluids) and corresponding additive packages, and the roadmap for future lubricants.
Responsibilities
In this position...
  • Able to lead technical discussions and deep dives to balanced conclusions.

Understands upfront design, verification plan and methods, and industrialization process.
  • Knows the competitive landscape and what it takes to outpace the competition.
  • Can speak with confidence and authority but is humble and collaborative in leading a technical review and debate.
  • Authors requirements, rules, methods in a manner that institutionalizes key learnings.
  • Author and maintain tribology-related design engineering specifications for mechanical components.
  • Own & maintain a global library of lubricants (greases, oils, fluids) and corresponding additive packages, and the roadmap for future lubricants.
  • Co-Lead technical peer reviews with component supervisor.

What you'll do...
  • Partner with component D&R engineers and other TEs to own lubrication & tribology warranty spend including driving best practices across supply base.
  • Responsible (Owner) for the creation and maintenance of the Core Engineering Documents (FMA Documents, SDS/Requirements and Test Procedures, etc.)
  • Integral to Signoff of System/Subsystem/Component with specific signoff responsibility BEFORE Chief Signoff
  • Partner with CAE team to identify and develop new methods in modeling and assessing wear-based attributes in transmission, driveline, power unit, and axle products.
  • Go-To for Problem Solving - Launch, Recall, Quality / Field Issues, DV/PV issues.
  • Conduct global supplier onsite reviews at component plants and recommend best practices for manufacturing process and quality control.
  • Conduct benchmarking to optimize component design for future programs.
  • Provide Technical leadership to broader Underbody Systems engineering teams.
  • Leverage CAE modelling capability to optimize quality, maximize efficiency and minimize cost.
  • Create and Conduct training sessions.

Qualifications
You'll have...
  • BS-Engineering required.
  • Proven history of design and verification directly applicable to transmission, axle and drive unit mechanical components, with specific focus on mechanical wear and lubricant design.
  • Proven history of evaluating choices and directing a team based on technical ideals balanced with industrialization realities.
  • 10 years of engineering experience in: transmission, axle, and/or drive unit systems/ components design & release, mechanical test & development, and/or lubricant design, specification & validation. 6+ years of experience with lubricant design, specification & validation.
  • Extensive experience creating and managing DFMEA/PFMEA/SCCAF/Control Plans/ drawings.
  • Experience with CAE tools and methods.
  • Extensive knowledge & experience with associated supplier manufacturing and quality processes.
  • Required leadership skills - quality focused as #1 priority, innovative, excellent communicator, strong organizational skills, highly motivated self-starter.

Key:
  • Ability to lead and align collections of people that do not directly report to this position (lead the collection of sub-system and component technical specialists that make up the TS team contributing to program success)
  • Ability to institutionalize the key factors of program success and lessons learned through documentation (design rules, SDS, technical design guides, etc.) and to teach associated learning sessions.
  • Ability to form an opinion, communicate it effectively at all levels, and drive the company in a winning direction.

Even better, you may have...
  • Master of Engineering (tribology, mechanical, controls, systems, etc.) preferred.

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
• Flexible family care days, 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
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
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/LL6
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.
#LI-Onsite
#LI-CW1
#vehiclehardwareengineering
Ford logo

About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982

View All Ford Jobs

Apply