Hardware & Mechanical Engineering - Early Career Program, Advanced EV

Ford•Long Beach, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

We made history and now 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 Creation and Industrialization (PC&I) brings together Ford’s vehicle, electric, digital and design teams with our global manufacturing system. Working as one end-to-end organization, we turn ideas into high-quality vehicles, software and experiences across gas, hybrid and electric, designed around what customers need. Join us for a 6-month Early Career Program and help build the future of mobility. You'll work alongside top engineering, design, and software talent to create groundbreaking EVs. You'll contribute to key technologies like advanced structures, thermal management, hardware/software integration, and vehicle architectures. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience and make a real impact on the automotive industry. This is a pipeline requisition. Apply once and you'll be considered for multiple openings across our Hardware, Mechanical, and Thermal Engineering teams within our Advanced EV Development (ADVEV) organization. We'll match your skills and interests to the team and project that fit best. Roles will be based in one of our three locations: Long Beach CA, Palo Alto CA or Dearborn MI Program: 6-months (shorter duration possible in some cases), starting as early as spring 2027! Work arrangement: Candidates may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. Stipend: $5,000 pre-tax relocation stipend for eligible candidates living 50+ miles away. Roles This Posting May Include: Interior & Exterior Systems Closures & Mechanisms Dimensional Engineering Electrical Distribution Systems (EDS) Thermal Systems (Modeling, Test, Firmware) Design Concept Engineering (DCE) (Specific team and project assignments are confirmed during the selection process.)

Requirements

Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Industrial, Computer Engineering, or a related field
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
Foundational understanding of engineering concepts (mechanical, electrical, fluids, or thermal) and a willingness to apply them to practical problems
Analytical and creative problem-solving skills
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment
Availability to dedicate full-time hours for the full 6-month program
Must be able to work from the Long Beach, CA campus

Nice To Haves

Experience with 3D CAD (CATIA, 3DX, NX, SolidWorks), CAE software, FEA, or GT-SUITE
Understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5), tolerance stack-up analysis, statistical methods, or measurement data analysis
Knowledge of polymers, metals, composites, injection molding, stamping, casting, or surface finishes
Hands-on experience building test fixtures, rapid prototyping, electronics bench instrumentation, or environmental testing
Knowledge of HVAC, psychrometrics, heat exchangers, two-phase flow, or liquid-cooling fundamentals
Experience with mechanism kinematics (e.g., 4-bar linkages), electromechanical integration, or wiring harness architecture
Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, VBA, data visualization, or experience reading/debugging embedded C/C++
Familiarity with CAN/LIN protocols, Vector tools, or EV architectures
Student-team or project experience, such as Formula SAE, Baja, robotics, or design-build project teams

Responsibilities

Design, analyze, build, and test parts at the component, subsystem, and full-vehicle level
Develop 3D geometry and packaging concepts using CAD software
Perform tolerance analysis, FEA, CFD, or 1D physical system modeling
Build rapid prototypes, instrument test setups (e.g., DAQ, thermocouples), and execute lab or bench testing
Support integration of mechanical hardware with embedded software, electrical distribution, and thermal physics
Collaborate with cross-functional teams in design studio, manufacturing, quality, and purchasing to ensure assembly feasibility and serviceability
Analyze test, dimensional, or simulation data and present findings to drive engineering decisions