Research Software in the Loop (SIL) Supervisor

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Ford’s Research and Advanced Engineering team takes new ideas from theory to reality. Every day, we develop advanced energy management and propulsion technologies, create cutting-edge materials and manufacturing processes, and curate world-class cabin experiences that redefine what it means to drive a Ford. In this position... We are seeking a highly capable and proactive leader to drive the development, integration, and optimization of next-generation Software-In-the-Loop (SIL) simulation for Ford’s future vehicle systems, such as Fuel Cell, EV, and Hybrid. You will lead the Research and Advanced Engineering SIL team to expand our simulation capability and dramatically increase the speed and efficiency of our SIL environment. Your leadership will directly contribute to the future generation of simulation technology, enabling faster software development and testing with increased software robustness and reliability. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners in Systems Engineering, Controls Engineering, and Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) to define requirements, drive technical direction, and deliver simulation technology for future programs. This role will be responsible for leading the SIL team to develop groundbreaking simulation technologies with a 3-to-5-year impact horizon. The successful candidate will lead Proof of Concept studies to demonstrate improvements, and interface with Product Development organizations for the transfer of next-generation technology from R&A. A critical aspect of this role will be building and maintaining strong relationships with internal downstream customers to ensure research outcomes are effectively matured and transitioned for production implementation.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in simulation of vehicle or mechatronic systems with a proven track record of innovation and impactful contributions.
• 3+ years of experience in leading technical projects or initiatives within an engineering environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least two of the following areas: Model In the Loop, Software In the Loop, Hardware In the Loop, Vechicle In the Loop.
• Working knowledge of Systems Engineering, Controls Engineering, Verification and Validation, Quality.
• Proficiency in Matlab / Simulink and software languages such as C, C++.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience developing and testing automotive control software.
• Experience developing system requirements, software requirements, system models and other Systems Engineering work products.
• Experience with system safety and robustness processes.
• Experience with automated software build, continuous integration and test, software automation pipelines.
• Experience with cloud computing and parallel computing environments and associated tools (Linux, Docker, etc.)
• Experience in developing quick proof-of-concept systems from ideation to functional demonstration.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, from technical experts to executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the definition and development of SIL simulation for Ford’s next generation of electrified propulsion systems. Anticipate new simulation capability for emerging propulsion systems and deliver simulations to partners in advance of their needs. Lead development of next generation SIL processes, methods, and tools to enable expansion of simulation usage and increased simulation speed and efficiency. Focus on what new capabilities we might add, as well as how we might integrate new simulation and automation processes into Ford’s development pipeline.
• Customer Engagement & Technology Transition: Maintain and establish strong relationships with key internal customers in Research and Product Development organizations. Understand their needs and facilitate the maturation and seamless transition of simulation technologies into their development pipelines. Plan and execute Proof of Concept studies jointly with customers to evaluate new simulation and build / test automation processes. Work with internal customers to show improvements in their software development / test efficiency and accuracy.
• Team Leadership & Development: Directly supervise, mentor, and inspire a talented team of simulation, software, and automation researchers. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and rapid prototyping, enabling the team to quickly develop proof-of-concepts to demonstrate feasibility and impact. Lead team to effectively articulate and communicate technical improvements. Manage projects, resources, and timelines efficiently to ensure research objectives are met.
• Technical Excellence & Innovation: Guide the team in conducting research in areas such as application of parallel computing to simulation, cloud-based simulation, robustness and safety simulation, simulating the effects of physical and environmental noise factors, edge case detection, etc. Lead team to develop plants and controllers for new electrified powertrain components – motors, batteries, drivelines, sensors, etc. Keep pace with state of the art in industry and academia. Identify, evaluate, and invent simulation technology to keep Ford on the cutting edge.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees