Thermal Systems Engineer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

8d • $99,600 - $192,900 • Hybrid

About The Position

As an R&A Thermal Systems Research Engineer at Ford, you will pioneer next-generation thermal system components and architectures for energy-efficient, robust, compact, and cost-effective mobility solutions. The role spans traditional internal combustion engine platforms (gas and diesel) and electrified vehicles, including xEV, BEV, and fuel cell platforms.

You will lead programs to conceptualize, design, develop, validate, and deliver thermal management systems and components across Ford and Lincoln vehicles. The work includes applying systems engineering methods, setting requirements and verification plans, conducting research from concept through supplier engagement and testing, analyzing simulation and test data, and guiding designs toward production. You will collaborate across research, product development, manufacturing, planning, suppliers, and universities, and present project strategy and progress to senior management.

This is a hybrid position requiring onsite work four or more days per week. The position is salary grade 7 or 8, with the applicable grade and salary determined by candidate skills and experience.

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.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering innovative, production-ready solutions.
• Master's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering required.

Nice To Haves

• PhD in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering.
• Success leading large, complex project teams and cross-functional groups and delivering project goals on time.
• Broad technical fluency across ICE (gas and diesel) and electrified vehicle architectures, with understanding of 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.
• Technical 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) processes and gateway milestones.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to management and executive stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and AI-enabled tools for data processing, documentation, and presentation development.

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 guide design development, cascade requirements, and shape project scope.
• Partner with and lead cross-functional teams to define requirements and design verification plans.
• Own advanced research workstreams from design conceptualization through supplier engagement, simulation, and testing.
• Translate simulation, bench, and vehicle test data into insights that drive design optimization and performance improvements.
• Connect Ford Research, Product Development, Manufacturing, and Planning organizations to accelerate the launch of new thermal technologies into production vehicles.
• Define and communicate technical requirements to suppliers and guide design development and validation of emerging technologies.
• Engage with suppliers to evaluate and advance new thermal systems and component designs.
• Direct CAD designers in developing technology designs and assessing vehicle packaging feasibility.
• Own 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 childcare.
• Family-building benefits, including 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: Senior