Thermal Systems Engineer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

16h • $99,600 - $192,900 • Hybrid

About The Position

As an R&A Thermal Systems Research Engineer, you will pioneer next-generation thermal system components and architectures — engineering energy-efficient, robust, compact, and cost-effective solutions that power the future of mobility. You'll drive innovation across both traditional ICE platforms (Gas, Diesel) and cutting-edge electrified vehicles (xEV, BEV, Fuel Cell), pushing the boundaries of thermal management and vehicle energy performance to shape what drives tomorrow.

Requirements

• 5+ years of hands-on design, development, and systems engineering experience in Thermal Systems for ICE (Gas and Diesel) and Electrified Vehicles, with a demonstrated track record of delivering innovative, production-ready solutions.
• Advanced degrees in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering — MS required, PhD strongly preferred — reflecting deep technical expertise and research-driven problem-solving capability.
• Deep technical mastery of thermal system and component design, including coolant and refrigerant subsystems — with a forward-looking perspective on current capabilities, limitations, and emerging technology needs.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated success leading large, complex project teams and cross-functional groups, consistently delivering ambitious project goals on time and exceeding expectations.
• Broad technical fluency across the full propulsion spectrum — ICE (Gas and Diesel) and all electrified architectures — with a strong grasp of vehicle attribute trade-offs to drive optimal system-level design decisions.
• Proven experience developing controls and calibration strategies for vehicle thermal and energy management systems, translating complex system behavior into robust, real-world performance.
• Strong command of thermal system simulation, vehicle testing, and validation methodologies, bridging analytical modeling with real-world performance data.
• Technical proficiency with industry-leading tools, including ATI Vision, MATLAB, LabVIEW, and other commercial thermal simulation platforms, for data processing and simulation.
• Working knowledge of TeamCenter for component visualization and design review.
• Familiarity with Ford Research QOS (GTDS) process, ensuring alignment with gateway milestones and organizational quality standards.
• Exceptional ability to distill complex technical information into clear, compelling updates for management and executive stakeholders.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and modern AI-enabled tools, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency in data processing, documentation, and presentation development.

Responsibilities

• Lead cutting-edge technology programs to conceptualize, design, develop, validate, and deliver next-generation thermal management systems and components across Ford and Lincoln's full vehicle portfolio — spanning ICE (Gas & Diesel), xEV, BEV, and Fuel Cell platforms.
• Champion systems engineering rigor by applying advanced problem-solving methodologies (Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, DFMEA, RCL, RDM) to drive design development, cascade requirements, and shape project scope.
• Partner with and lead cross-functional teams to define requirements and design verification plans that ensure robust, high-performing systems.
• Own and drive advanced research workstreams end-to-end — from design conceptualization through supplier engagement, simulation, and testing — to deliver breakthrough technology and validate robustness.
• Translate simulation, bench, and vehicle test data into actionable insights, driving design optimization and performance improvements.
• Serve as a technical leader and connector across Ford's 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, guiding design development and validation of emerging technologies.
• Engage directly with suppliers to evaluate and advance new thermal systems and component designs.
• Direct CAD designers to develop innovative technology designs and assess vehicle packaging feasibility.
• Own systems engineering documentation and serve as the key communicator of engineering assumptions across 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 leading universities to develop new thermal system design concepts and next-generation technologies.

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: Senior