Description
At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
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.
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.
Qualifications
- 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.
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.
The salary for this position ranges from $99,600-$166,600 or $115,000-$192,900 depending on the salary grade, which will be determined based on the candidate's skills and experience.