Diesel Aftertreatment Development Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Diesel Catalyst Development Engineer advancing next-generation diesel emissions control technologies at Ford. Generating critical experimental data on diesel catalyst devices using advanced analytical instrumentation.

Posted 7/24/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $99,600 - $166,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in catalyst performance analysis, including the design and execution of flow reactor experiments and the application of kinetic and mass transfer principles. Proficient in catalyst characterization techniques and structured problem-solving methodologies to ensure compliance with emissions regulatory requirements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Flow Reactor Systems OperationCatalyst Characterization TechniquesHeterogeneous CatalysisStructured Problem-Solving MethodologiesEmissions Regulatory Compliance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Catalyst Performance Data AnalysisKinetic Parameter Extraction1D Catalyst/Monolith Performance ModelingCatalyst Aging Protocols DesignGas Analysis TechniquesFTIRBETSEMXRDFMEA

Soft Skills

Technical CommunicationCollaborative Problem-SolvingFacilitation of Technical Discussions

Tools & Technologies

Global Technology Development System (GTDS)8D Problem-SolvingAnalytical Instrumentation

Industry Keywords

CatalysisEmissions ControlChemical EngineeringMaterials ScienceChemistry

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, execute, and analyze bench-scale flow reactor experiments on small wash coated monolithic core samples (DOC, SCR, ASC, DPF) to generate high-quality catalyst performance data.
Operate and maintain flow reactor systems coupled with analytical instrumentation such as FTIR for gas-phase species quantification and reaction analysis.
Apply fundamental catalyst kinetics and mass transfer principles to interpret reactor data and identify kinetic- vs. diffusion-limited performance regimes.
Generate and structure experimental data to support kinetic parameter extraction and development of 1D catalyst/monolith performance models; experience developing 1D models independently is a strong plus.
Design and execute catalyst aging protocols (thermal, hydrothermal, chemical/poisoning) to evaluate durability and robustness under real-world conditions.
Perform or coordinate chemical/physical characterization of fresh and aged catalyst samples, including BET, SEM, Chemisorption, XRF, and XRD, to identify aging mechanisms and correlate with performance loss.
Apply Global Technology Development System (GTDS) methodology and structured problem-solving tools, including FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and 8D, to proactively identify catalyst failure modes and resolve technical issues.
Support DVP&R (Design Verification Plan and Report) development to ensure testing aligns with durability and performance requirements.
Facilitate technical dialogue and collaborative problem-solving with catalyst and substrate suppliers, including reviewing formulation/design changes, discussing performance and durability data, and driving joint resolution of technical issues.
Collaborate cross-functionally with modeling, catalyst design, systems engineering, and quality teams to translate experimental findings into actionable design and calibration decisions.
Deep understanding of global emissions regulatory requirements as they relate to catalyst performance and durability targets.
Document methodologies, results, and conclusions in technical reports and present findings to cross-functional and leadership audiences.
Stay abreast of emerging catalyst materials, characterization techniques, and modeling approaches to maintain Ford's leadership in clean propulsion systems.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant industry or research experience in catalysis, emissions control, or related technical fields.
Hands-on experience with flow reactor systems and gas analysis techniques (FTIR, MS, GC, or similar).
Solid understanding of heterogeneous catalysis, reaction kinetics, and mass transfer principles.
Experience with catalyst characterization techniques (BET, SEM, XRD, XRF, chemisorption).
Working knowledge of structured problem-solving and quality methodologies (FMEA, 8D, or equivalent root-cause analysis tools).
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and facilitate technical discussions with external catalyst and substrate suppliers.

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.