Vehicle Dynamics Engineer

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

17d • Hybrid

About The Position

Vehicle Dynamics Engineer We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves? Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more! At Ford, the Vehicle Dynamics Team crafts driving experiences that spark deep emotional connections with our customers. From everyday drives and off‑road excursions to adrenaline‑fueled track days, we create unforgettable moments and make every journey feel distinctively Ford. We develop cutting-edge simulation and analysis techniques to deepen our understanding of vehicle behavior and set the standard for the industry. In close partnership with hardware, software, vehicle attributes, program planning, and marketing teams, we help create the fun‑to-drive vehicles that define our brand. In this position... You will be directly responsible for engineering the ride, steering, handling, and braking systems that ensure every Ford meets the highest standards for safety and quality while delivering a world-class driving experience. Working closely with a highly capable team, you’ll influence program decisions to ensure our vehicles are comfortable, confident and engaging.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• 3+ years of professional experience in vehicle dynamics, chassis system controls, or automotive chassis design
• Deep understanding of vehicle dynamics first principles related to ride, steering, handling, and braking.
• Proven success in optimizing vehicle dynamics systems to meet specific attribute targets.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Proficiency in chassis systems architecture including understanding cause-and-effect relationships between design choices, kinematics, and system compliance.
• Experience with multibody dynamic solvers or parametric simulation tools (e.g., Adams, CarSim or similar).
• Clear understanding of tire design and development processes.
• A fundamental understanding of modern chassis controls systems such as Electric Power Steering (EPAS), ABS/ESC braking controls, and/or semi-active damping systems.
• Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python
• High Performance Driver's Training Certification
• Willingness to travel to proving grounds as needed for winter, off-road or other development testing.

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver world-class vehicle dynamics attributes-including ride, steering, handling, and braking-from initial target setting through final program sign-off, ensuring every vehicle embodies Ford DNA.
• Develop and deploy advanced multi-body simulation models (e.g., Adams, CarSim) to predict vehicle dynamic performance, guiding chassis and suspension design from the earliest architecture phase.
• Bridge the gap between virtual and physical development by leveraging state-of-the-art Driver-in-the-Loop (DIL) simulators and hands-on prototype vehicle testing to tune hardware and calibrate control systems for optimal performance.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert, effectively communicating program status, risks, and data-driven recommendations to leadership and cross-functional teams (including Chassis, Powertrain, and Controls) to drive decision-making.
• Drive the continuous improvement of our engineering capabilities by innovating new test procedures, developing advanced simulation methodologies, and creating new tools to increase development speed and accuracy.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare 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