Thermal System Calibration Engineer at Ford Motor Company

About Ford

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive icon with over 120 years of innovation, headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan. As a leader in electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and smart mobility, Ford is transforming the future of transportation. Our Product Development team pioneers breakthrough technologies in electrification, autonomy, and sustainable mobility solutions. With a workforce of over 170,000 worldwide, Ford offers unparalleled opportunities to shape the automotive industry. Join us to contribute to iconic vehicles like the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E, driving advancements that delight customers and protect the planet.

Role Overview

The Thermal System Calibration Engineer position in Dearborn, MI, is a pivotal role within Ford's Product Development organization. You will specialize in calibrating thermal management systems for next-generation vehicles, ensuring optimal performance in HVAC, battery cooling, and powertrain thermal control. This full-time role demands expertise in simulation, testing, and data-driven optimization to support Ford's electrification and autonomy goals. Located at our state-of-the-art Dearborn facilities, you'll collaborate with elite engineers on sustainable, high-performance automotive solutions.

Key Responsibilities

As a Thermal System Calibration Engineer, your impact will be immediate and far-reaching:

• Develop advanced calibration strategies for vehicle thermal systems using MATLAB/Simulink and proprietary Ford tools.
• Perform dyno and on-road testing to validate thermal performance under diverse conditions.
• Analyze large datasets from data acquisition systems to refine calibrations for efficiency and passenger comfort.
• Integrate thermal calibrations with vehicle software architectures for seamless operation in EVs and hybrids.
• Support cross-functional teams in resolving thermal-related issues during vehicle development cycles.

Daily Impact

Expect hands-on work with cutting-edge hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulators and real-world prototypes, contributing directly to production vehicles.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel in this role, candidates should possess:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in thermal systems calibration, preferably in automotive applications.
• Proficiency in calibration tools like ETAS INCA, ATI Vision, or similar.
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics.
• Experience with automotive standards such as SAE J1711 for thermal management.

Preferred Skills

Familiarity with Ford's Global Thermal Architecture or EV battery thermal systems is a plus. Excellent problem-solving and communication skills are essential for team collaboration.

Benefits & Perks

Ford prioritizes employee well-being with industry-leading benefits:

• Competitive base salary estimated at $110,000-$160,000 annually, plus bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage starting day one.
• 401(k) retirement savings with up to 6% company match.
• 20+ days of paid time off, plus holidays and flexible work options.
• Tuition assistance for advanced degrees and certifications.
• On-site fitness centers, EV charging, and employee vehicle discounts.

Career Growth

At Ford, your career accelerates. This role offers pathways to senior calibration engineering, thermal systems leadership, or integration into autonomy teams. Ford University provides world-class training in emerging technologies like AI-driven calibration and sustainable engineering. Many engineers advance to principal roles or global assignments within 3-5 years, with mentorship from Ford Fellows and technical experts.

Why Join Us

Dearborn, MI, is the heart of Ford's innovation ecosystem, offering proximity to Henry Ford Heritage sites, world-class labs, and a vibrant engineering community. Work on vehicles that define the future—EVs with industry-leading range, autonomous tech for safer roads. Ford's commitment to sustainability means your calibrations reduce emissions and enhance efficiency. Enjoy a collaborative culture, inclusive environment, and the pride of building products that move the world forward. SEO keywords: Ford jobs Dearborn, thermal engineer careers, automotive calibration roles, EV engineering positions.

Role FAQs

What experience level is required?

Mid-level experience (3+ years) in thermal calibration; entry-level with Master's considered.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Yes, comprehensive relocation support for qualifying candidates moving to Dearborn, MI.

Does this role involve travel?

Occasional travel to proving grounds and supplier sites, typically under 10%.

What software tools are used?

MATLAB/Simulink, INCA, AVL tools, and Ford-specific calibration platforms.

How does Ford support work-life balance?

Hybrid work options, generous PTO, and employee assistance programs ensure sustainability.

Apply today to calibrate the future at Ford. (Word count: 1,248)