Thermal Systems Engineer

Ford Motor Company • Dearborn, MI

4d • $99,600 - $192,900 • Hybrid

About The Position

Ford Motor Company is hiring an R&A Thermal Systems Research Engineer to pioneer next-generation thermal system components and architectures for energy-efficient, robust, compact, and cost-effective mobility solutions. The role supports Ford and Lincoln vehicles across internal combustion engine (gas and diesel), xEV, BEV, and fuel-cell platforms, advancing thermal management and vehicle energy performance. The engineer leads research and technology programs from conceptual design through development, validation, supplier engagement, simulation, testing, and production launch. This is a hybrid position requiring onsite work four or more days per week.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of hands-on design, development, and systems engineering experience in thermal systems for ICE (gas and diesel) and electrified vehicles.
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering required.
• Deep technical expertise in thermal system and component design, including coolant and refrigerant subsystems, and understanding of current capabilities, limitations, and emerging technology needs.

Nice To Haves

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering.
• Demonstrated success leading large, complex project teams and cross-functional groups to deliver project goals on time.
• Broad technical knowledge of ICE and electrified vehicle architectures and vehicle attribute trade-offs.
• Experience developing controls and calibration strategies for vehicle thermal and energy management systems.
• Strong command of thermal system simulation, vehicle testing, and validation methodologies.
• Proficiency with ATI Vision, MATLAB, LabVIEW, and commercial thermal simulation platforms.
• Working knowledge of TeamCenter for component visualization and design review.
• Familiarity with Ford Research QOS (GTDS) process and gateway milestones.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to management and executive stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and modern AI-enabled tools for data processing, documentation, and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Lead technology programs to conceptualize, design, develop, validate, and deliver thermal management systems and components across ICE, xEV, BEV, and fuel-cell platforms.
• Apply systems engineering methods, including Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, DFMEA, RCL, and RDM, to develop designs, cascade requirements, and define project scope.
• Partner with and lead cross-functional teams to establish requirements and design verification plans.
• Own advanced research workstreams from conceptualization through supplier engagement, simulation, and testing.
• Analyze simulation, bench, and vehicle test data to optimize designs and improve performance.
• Connect Ford Research, Product Development, Manufacturing, and Planning organizations to help bring new thermal technologies into production vehicles.
• Define and communicate technical requirements to suppliers and guide their design development and validation work.
• Engage suppliers to evaluate and advance thermal systems and component designs.
• Direct CAD designers in developing technology designs and assessing vehicle packaging feasibility.
• Maintain systems engineering documentation and communicate engineering assumptions to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Lead high-visibility GTDS project execution and gateway reviews, presenting technical strategy and progress to senior management.
• Propose and lead collaborative research projects with universities to develop new thermal system concepts and technologies.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized backup child care
• Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• 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