Thermal Systems Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Thermal Systems Engineer advancing Ford’s ICE and electrified vehicle thermal technologies. Leading research, simulation, testing, suppliers, and production launch of next-generation systems.

Posted 8/7/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $99,600 - $192,900 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in thermal system design and development for ICE and electrified vehicles, with a strong focus on innovative solutions and project leadership. Proficient in systems engineering methodologies and capable of effectively communicating complex technical information to stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Thermal System DesignSystems Engineering MethodologiesProject LeadershipThermal System SimulationControls and Calibration Strategies

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Thermal System DesignSystems EngineeringProject ManagementThermal System SimulationControls DevelopmentValidation MethodologiesDesign OptimizationPerformance ImprovementTechnical DocumentationRequirements Definition

Soft Skills

CommunicationCollaborationLeadershipProblem-SolvingCross-Functional Team Leadership

Tools & Technologies

ATI VisionMATLABLabVIEWCommercial Thermal Simulation PlatformsTeamCenterMicrosoft OfficeAI-Enabled Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Master of Science in Mechanical EngineeringMaster of Science in Automotive EngineeringPhD in Relevant Field (Preferred)

Industry Keywords

Thermal Management SystemsICE VehiclesElectrified VehiclesGas PlatformsDiesel PlatformsXEVBEVFuel CellFord Research QOSGTDS Process

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead technology programs to conceptualize, design, develop, validate, and deliver next-generation thermal management systems and components across Ford and Lincoln vehicle portfolios
Apply systems engineering methodologies including Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, DFMEA, RCL, and RDM
Lead cross-functional teams in defining requirements and design verification plans
Drive advanced research workstreams from conceptualization through supplier engagement, simulation, and testing
Translate simulation, bench, and vehicle test data into design optimization and performance improvements
Connect Ford Research, Product Development, Manufacturing, and Planning organizations to accelerate production launches
Define technical requirements for suppliers and guide design development and validation
Evaluate emerging thermal systems and component designs with suppliers
Direct CAD designers and assess vehicle packaging feasibility
Own systems engineering documentation and communicate engineering assumptions
Lead GTDS project execution and gateway reviews, presenting strategy and progress to senior management
Propose and lead collaborative research projects with universities

Requirements

What you’ll need

5+ years of hands-on design, development, and systems engineering experience in thermal systems for ICE and electrified vehicles
Master of Science in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering required
PhD strongly preferred
Deep technical mastery of thermal system and component design, including coolant and refrigerant subsystems
Track record of delivering innovative, production-ready solutions
Experience with thermal systems across Gas, Diesel, xEV, BEV, and Fuel Cell platforms
Experience leading large, complex project teams and cross-functional groups
Experience developing controls and calibration strategies for vehicle thermal and energy management systems
Experience with thermal system simulation, vehicle testing, and validation methodologies
Technical proficiency with ATI Vision, MATLAB, LabVIEW, and commercial thermal simulation platforms
Working knowledge of TeamCenter
Familiarity with Ford Research QOS (GTDS) process
Ability to communicate complex technical information to management and executive stakeholders
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and modern AI-enabled tools
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available

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
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members
Management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
Generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Paid time off
Option to purchase additional vacation time