Vehicle Controls Engineer – Propulsion Controls

Ford Motor Company

Vehicle Controls Engineer designing and developing advanced vehicle control algorithms for next-generation powertrain systems at Ford. Joining a world-class group dedicated to building cutting-edge propulsion systems.

Posted 5/22/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $118,700 - $232,700 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

LinuxPythonUnix

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

In this position, we are seeking a Vehicle Controls Engineer - Propulsion Controls to join a world-class group dedicated to building cutting-edge propulsion, energy, and thermal systems.
You will play a pivotal role in defining how our future vehicles perform, operate, and feel.
This role designs and develops advanced vehicle control algorithms for next-generation powertrain systems to deliver superior vehicle attributes.
The Vehicle Controls Engineer - Propulsion Controls direct impact driving the end-to-end development process, including control architecture selection, algorithm simulation, and software implementation.

Requirements

What you’ll need

M.S. or equivalent in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, systems engineering or similar field with a control systems focus
6+ years of experience in dynamic systems modeling and real-time controls development for automotive or similar complex electromechanical systems
6+ years in roles requiring understanding of automotive powertrain (including hybrid electrical vehicle) systems and controls, and vehicle dynamics with fundamental knowledge of general dynamics, hydraulics, electric machines, batteries, internal combustion engines, and mechatronic actuators
6+ years in roles demonstrating the ability to develop controls software for embedded targets using C or C++
6+ years in roles demonstrating the ability to use Matlab/Simulink or Python for system modeling, simulation, scripting, and data analysis
6+ years of experience working in Linux, Unix and Windows environments
6+ years of experience with unit testing platforms for tools development (pytest, Google Test, Ceedling)
6+ years experience with standard systems engineering tools including boundary diagrams, fault tree analyses, FMEAs, P-diagrams, etc.
6+ years in roles demonstrating excellence in problem-solving (with a passion for new technology development)
6+ years of experience in roles requiring effective communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills in a team environment and the ability to work well with others as part of a diverse global team.

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

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

vehicle control algorithmsdynamic systems modelingreal-time controls developmentautomotive powertrain systemscontrols software developmentCC++MatlabSimulinkPython

Soft Skills

problem-solvingeffective communicationdocumentationinterpersonal skillsteam collaboration