Research Engineer – Advanced Electrified Propulsion Systems

Ford Motor Company

Ford engineer designing and integrating clean-sheet electrified propulsion systems for advanced prototype vehicles. Leading subsystem tradeoffs, testing, troubleshooting, and systems engineering reviews.

Posted 8/7/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $74,300 - $124,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in systems engineering for electrified propulsion designs, with a strong focus on subsystem sizing, integration, and performance optimization. Proficient in analyzing tradeoffs and developing verification plans while effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Electrified Systems ExperienceSubsystem Sizing and IntegrationCross-Functional Project LeadershipTesting and Validation of Powertrain SystemsSystems Engineering Tools Proficiency

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

Systems EngineeringSubsystem Architecture DefinitionThermal ManagementPower ElectronicsEnergy StorageHigh-Voltage DistributionDesign VerificationData AnalysisTroubleshootingFirst-Principles Design

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsTeam CollaborationProblem-SolvingMotivation to Learn

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office SuiteBoundary DiagramsP-DiagramsDFMEAs

Industry Keywords

Electrified PropulsionPowertrain SystemsVehicle PerformanceThermal LimitsNVH

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide systems engineering expertise for clean-sheet advanced electrified propulsion designs
Understand how subsystem sizing, high-voltage architectures, thermal limits, and packaging affect vehicle-level attributes such as performance, range, efficiency, and charging behavior
Size, select, and define subsystem architectures based on power, energy, mass, thermal capacity, cost, and other competing priorities
Integrate, wire, interface controls, and commission propulsion subsystems into prototype vehicles, breadboards, and dyno test beds
Lead cross-functional projects spanning e-motor, power electronics, energy storage, driveline, high-voltage distribution, thermal management, controls, calibration, and simulation
Develop requirements, attribute assessments, robustness assessments, and design verification plans
Analyze tradeoffs involving thermal performance, packaging, NVH, and hardware/software solutions
Troubleshoot and diagnose prototype vehicles and benches
Collect and analyze lab, dyno, and on-road test data to optimize and validate propulsion system designs
Apply systems engineering tools including Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, and DFMEAs
Prepare and present technical project reviews to senior management and technical leadership

Requirements

What you’ll need

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related field
2 years of prior experience with electrified systems, including sizing, packaging, testing, and integration of powertrain subsystems
College-level work such as Formula SAE may count toward electrified systems experience
Ability and interest to design clean-sheet advanced propulsion systems using a first-principles approach
Demonstrated experience working with cross-functional teams and driving development issues to resolution
Hands-on experience conducting bench and vehicle-level tests
Passion for and understanding of electrified powertrain systems, including batteries, motors, and thermal systems
Motivated to learn and contribute quickly
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project
Willingness and ability to travel to remote Vehicle Proving Ground sites
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