Research Engineer – Battery Material Modeling

Ford Motor Company

Research Engineer at Ford contributing to battery materials research and modeling. Collaborating with teams to enhance electrochemical performance and material properties for vehicles.

Posted 6/26/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $99,600 - $166,600 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Ionic

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop models based on target material properties including density, fast ionic diffusion, composition, phase stability, etc.
Provide actionable mechanistic insight into function and degradation processes in battery cells, including phase evolution, interfacial layer formation and growth, and electrolyte additive function.
Take data inputs from material and battery synthesis and characterization
Collaborate with other team members to implement the modeled insights and learnings in real battery materials and systems
Participate in joint projects with universities and national labs that leverage DFT/ML/AI/MD and other modeling methods

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s degree in materials science, engineering, chemistry, or related fields
3 years of experience in chemical and physical modeling of Li-ion battery materials, especially cathode, using DFT/ML/AI/MD
Laboratory experimental skills in synthesizing and/or processing battery materials, performing cell testing and advanced material characterization methods
Fundamental understanding of chemical processes and mechanisms within batteries from formation to end of life
Doctorate (PhD) in battery materials science, engineering, chemistry or related fields
Experience with modeling, testing and characterizing Na-ion batteries is a plus
A wide range of material analysis experience is also desirable. This may include teardown and post-mortem analysis of materials from pouch, cylindrical, and/or prismatic
A track record of written and/or oral presentations of research findings to specialist or non-specialist audiences.

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

DFTMLAIMDchemical modelingphysical modelingbattery materials synthesismaterial characterizationcell testingNa-ion battery modeling

Soft Skills

collaborationcommunicationpresentation skillsmechanistic insightactionable insights

Certifications

Master’s degreePhD