Vehicle Thermal Systems Cooling CAE and Development Engineer at Ford Motor Company

About Ford

Ford Motor Company, headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, is a global automotive leader with over 120 years of innovation. As a pioneer in electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and sustainable mobility, Ford employs 183,000 people worldwide. Our Research and Advanced Engineering team drives breakthroughs in vehicle thermal systems, ensuring optimal performance in today's complex automotive landscape. Join Ford to shape the future of mobility.

Role Overview

The Vehicle Thermal Systems Cooling CAE and Development Engineer position in Dearborn, MI, is pivotal for advancing Ford's thermal management technologies. This full-time role involves leveraging Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to design, simulate, and validate cooling systems for passenger vehicles, trucks, and electric vehicles. You'll contribute to energy-efficient solutions that enhance vehicle range, comfort, and reliability, working in a collaborative environment with state-of-the-art facilities.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll tackle real-world challenges in automotive thermal engineering:

• Develop advanced CAE models for vehicle cooling systems, including radiators, fans, and heat exchangers using tools like STAR-CCM+ and ANSYS Fluent.
• Execute CFD simulations to predict airflow, heat transfer, and thermal performance under diverse operating conditions.
• Perform design of experiments (DOE) and optimization studies to improve cooling efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
• Validate simulation results against physical tests, correlating models to ensure accuracy for production vehicles.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including aerodynamics, powertrain, and HVAC engineers, to integrate thermal solutions into vehicle architecture.
• Support root cause analysis for thermal issues and propose data-driven countermeasures.
• Stay abreast of industry trends in EV battery cooling and advanced materials for thermal management.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline is required; a Master's or PhD is preferred. Candidates need 3-5 years of hands-on experience in thermal CAE, ideally in the automotive sector.

Technical Skills

• Expertise in CFD and FEA software (e.g., STAR-CCM+, ANSYS, GT-SUITE).
• Strong understanding of heat transfer principles, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Familiarity with automotive cooling components and HVAC systems.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar for automation and post-processing.

Soft Skills & Other

Excellent problem-solving abilities, effective communication for technical presentations, and a passion for innovation. U.S. work authorization is required; occasional travel to test facilities may be needed.

Benefits & Perks

Ford offers a premium compensation package designed for your well-being and growth:

• Competitive salary estimated at $90,000-$130,000 annually, based on experience.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with low premiums.
• 401(k) with up to 6% company match and immediate vesting.
• Paid time off, parental leave, and flexible work arrangements.
• Tuition assistance up to $10,000 per year for advanced degrees.
• Exclusive employee pricing on Ford and Lincoln vehicles.
• On-site fitness centers, childcare, and wellness programs at Ford World Headquarters.

Career Growth

At Ford, your career accelerates with structured development paths. This role offers opportunities to lead projects, mentor juniors, and advance to senior engineering or management positions. Ford University provides thousands of online courses, leadership training, and exposure to emerging technologies like AI-driven simulations. Many engineers progress to roles in EV thermal systems or global product development teams.

Why Join Us

Work at the epicenter of automotive innovation in Dearborn, MI, with access to world-class labs and partnerships with suppliers like Magna and Bosch. Ford's commitment to an inclusive culture, recognized by Forbes as a top employer for diversity, ensures every voice contributes to iconic vehicles like the F-150 Lightning. Be part of a legacy driving towards a zero-emission future.

Role FAQs

What software tools will I use daily?

Primarily STAR-CCM+, ANSYS, and in-house Ford tools for thermal simulations.

Is remote work possible?

This is primarily on-site due to lab access, with hybrid flexibility after onboarding.

What are the next career steps?

Progress to Lead CAE Engineer or Thermal Systems Specialist within 2-3 years.

Does Ford support professional certifications?

Yes, reimbursement for ASME CFD or SAE thermal management certifications.

Ready to engineer the future? Apply now for the Vehicle Thermal Systems Cooling CAE and Development Engineer role at Ford in Dearborn, MI. Keywords: Ford jobs, automotive CAE engineer, thermal systems careers, CFD jobs Michigan.