Staff Thermal Systems Integration Engineer

Overview We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. At Ford, we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. Ford’s Electric Vehicles, Digital and Design (EVDD) team delivers the company’s vision of a fully electric transportation future. EVDD is customer-obsessed, entrepreneurial, and data-driven, focused on delivering industry-leading customer experience for electric vehicle buyers and owners. Join an agile team and help build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. In this position, you will contribute to Thermal systems, which spans a diverse range of critical customer-facing attributes, hardware, and software domains. Our work keeps occupants comfortable, enables full vehicle powertrain capability, and empowers battery fast charging – in all weather conditions. We balance heating/cooling performance, energy consumption, cost, reliability, NVH and packaging trade-offs through physics-driven, cross-functional engineering collaboration. You will build and apply world-class engineering buck and vehicle testing tools to shape next generation thermal systems for electric vehicles. Deeply integrate testing into our design process and propose product and/or controls improvements using your domain knowledge. Responsibilities Design and build thermal test assets spanning a range of size, scope and complexity (e.g., from a simple coolant bench test to characterize a valve to a fully instrumented vehicle). Automate and script hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testers to replicate boundary conditions and loads for thermal systems across scenarios. Work with modeling engineers to validate predictions, propose tests based on prediction weaknesses, and learn how to run the models. Collaborate with controls engineers to validate software and propose improvements. Debug control algorithms at bench and vehicle levels with test and integration engineers. Lead engineering test fleets (bucks and/or vehicles) and plan critical test campaigns in wind tunnels and in the field. Qualifications Required: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Foundational background in thermal systems (heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics). 4+ years of experience using modeling tools (e.g., GT, Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Dymola, TAITherm or similar). Experience with basic programming best practices (readable, reusable code). Experience with high voltage powertrain and thermal systems. Experience diagnosing and repairing HVAC components and systems. Safe management of glycol, AC refrigerant, and oil-based liquids and gases. Knowledge of thermal and fluid measurement sensor installation and calibration. Experience with data acquisition systems and related sensors. Ability to interpret and create wiring diagrams for test fixture construction. Even better, you may have Graduate Degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on thermal engineering or energy systems. Real-world product development experience using tests to design, validate and continuously improve a thermal system used by customers daily. Deep experience with refrigeration systems (compressors, heat exchangers, valves, sensors, charge and oil management) applied to automotive products. Deep experience with HVAC design (hardware, control strategies, energy flows within the cabin, glass properties). Experience modeling non-linear flow/energy circuits with first principles. Familiarity with battery, motor/inverter and electronics thermal/electrical models. Familiarity using 3D CAD software collaboratively (NX, Catia, 3DX). Proficiency using collaborative work tracking tools such as JIRA, Confluence and GitHub. Testing/laboratory experience with refrigeration loops, coolant and air circuits. An eagerness to work cross-functionally in a dynamic environment with a high-performing team. A system approach to design and development with curiosity to strive for exceptional delivery and continuous improvement. Experience with controls methods for automotive thermal systems. You may not check every box, or your experience may look different from what we’ve outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply! Benefits & Work Environment As an established global company, we offer a choice-driven benefit structure. You can shape your Ford future with options for global reach or local focus, leadership, technical expertise, culture building, and more. Benefits include: 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 Paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time Logistics This position is a leadership level 6. Visa sponsorship is available. U.S. work authorization is required at hire. Onsite work of up to three days per week may be required for candidates within commuting distance of a Ford hub location. #LI-Hybrid #LI-JD2 Equal Opportunity We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660. Responsibilities: What you’ll do: Design and build thermal test assets spanning a range of size, scope and complexity, automate HIL testers, validate predictions with modeling teams, collaborate with controls engineers, debug algorithms, lead test fleets, and plan critical test campaigns. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-21