Research Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Research Engineer driving Manufacturing Digital Thread and CAE Integration at Ford. Collaborating with experts to apply physics to automated applications in a hybrid workspace.

Posted 5/15/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $86,600 - $144,900 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Research and design custom 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX)/Catia tools using C++ and Python.
Architect linkage programs to automate data flow between simulation solvers (Hypermesh, LS-DYNA, AutoForm) and CAD environments.
Ensure developed tools and data pipelines are robust and computationally efficient, minimizing latency and maximizing throughput for large-scale simulation data.
Lead statistical sensitivity studies and Design of Experiments (DOE) to optimize manufacturing robustness.
Validate the accuracy and performance of 3DX implementations.
Partner with Ford subject matter experts in forming, joining, and surface science to develop a unified digital twin for stamping, structural casting, and coating workflows.
Streamline simulation run-times and automate data processing to enable 100% in-house feasibility validation and rapid design iterations.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering or Computer Science and Engineering
2+ years of experience in industry and graduate study developing and applying skills in architectural data integration, CAE-based virtual manufacturing, solid mechanics, material behavior, statistical variation methods, and GD&T
Highly proficient in Python, MATLAB, or C++ for linking disparate data formats; experience with PLM systems such as Catia V5/V6, 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX), Siemens NX
Knowledge of virtual manufacturing using CAE suites such as Ansys Minerva, Abaqus, LS-DYNA, or Nastran, Simufact, ESY Sysweld
Strong foundation in Solid Mechanics (elasticity, plasticity), material deformation, and thermal-mechanical behavior.
Deep understanding of stress-strain behavior, anisotropy in sheet metal, and phase transformations during welding or baking
Proficiency of Monte Carlo simulations and Six Sigma principles to handle "variation" as a statistical input rather than a single deterministic value.
Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing to manage dimensional "stack-ups."

Benefits

Comp & perks

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.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

C++PythonMATLAB3DEXPERIENCECatia V5Catia V6Ansys MinervaAbaqusLS-DYNAMonte Carlo simulations

Soft Skills

leadershipcollaborationproblem-solvingcommunicationanalytical thinking