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Tribology Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Freudenberg Group

Tribologist

Londonderry, NH · On-site

Qualifications: * BS or higher in Tribology, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related field. * 1-5 years work experience in an R&D environment. * Experience with tribology test rigs preferred.

Freudenberg

Tribologist

Londonderry, NH

Qualifications: * BS or higher in Tribology, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related field. * 1-5 years work experience in an R&D environment. * Experience with tribology test rigs preferred.

LiquidPiston

Senior Simulation Engineer

Suffield, CT · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Senior Simulation Engineer (Bearings & Seals) This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five ... This role involves applying advanced principles of tribology, materials science, and dynamic ...

LiquidPiston, Inc.

Senior Simulation Engineer

Suffield, CT · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Senior Simulation Engineer (Bearings & Seals) This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five ... This role involves applying advanced principles of tribology, materials science, and dynamic ...

Schreiber Foods, Inc.

Reliability Engineer

Carthage, MO

$87K - $109K/yr

Licenses/Certifications in Maintenance, Reliability, Tribology, Lubrication, and other specialized areas are a plus. Entry Level: 0-3 years experience in Reliability Engineering, Design Engineering ...

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Tribology Engineer information

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$66.5K

$102.2K

$150K

How much do tribology engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for tribology engineer 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tribology Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tribology Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, materials science, and surface chemistry, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with analytical tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), surface profilometers, and simulation software like ANSYS or MATLAB is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and clear communication abilities help you collaborate effectively and drive innovation. These skills are crucial for developing solutions that reduce friction and wear, enhancing the performance and lifespan of mechanical systems.

What is a Tribology Engineer?

A Tribology Engineer is a specialist who studies and applies the principles of friction, lubrication, and wear between interacting surfaces in relative motion. They work to improve the performance and durability of mechanical systems by selecting appropriate materials, lubricants, and surface treatments. Tribology Engineers are vital in industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing, where reducing wear and energy loss is crucial. Their work helps extend the life of machinery, increase efficiency, and lower maintenance costs.

How does a Tribology Engineer typically collaborate with other departments to solve friction and wear challenges?

Tribology Engineers often work closely with cross-functional teams, including materials scientists, mechanical engineers, product designers, and manufacturing specialists. They collaborate during the research and development phase to select suitable materials and lubricants, analyze component failures, and optimize system performance. Regular interaction with testing laboratories and quality assurance teams is also common to validate findings and implement improvements. This collaborative approach ensures that tribological considerations are integrated throughout the product lifecycle, resulting in more reliable and efficient products.

What is the difference between Tribology Engineer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectTribology EngineerMaterials Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Materials, or Tribology-related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing plants, automotive, aerospace industriesResearch labs, manufacturing, product development, quality control
Industry UsageFocuses on friction, wear, lubrication, and surface interactionsFocuses on material properties, selection, and failure analysis

Tribology Engineers specialize in friction, wear, and lubrication to improve machinery performance, while Materials Engineers focus on material properties and selection for durability and functionality. Both roles often collaborate in manufacturing and R&D settings, but their core expertise differs in surface interactions versus material composition.

More about Tribology Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Tribology Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Tribology Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Tribology Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Tribology Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tribology Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tribology Engineer jobs are:
Tribology Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tribology Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,249 per year, or $49.2 per hour.
Technical Expert - Lubricants & Tribology

Technical Expert - Lubricants & Tribology

Ford Motor Company

Livonia, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 11 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.
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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

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