Engine Performance Development Engineer – Combustion

Ford Motor Company

. Design and oversee engine testing plans for validation of fuel economy, performance, durability attributes, combustion strategy, and engine system architecture .

Posted 10/16/2026full-timeDearborn • Michigan • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $86,600 - $166,200 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Spark

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and oversee engine testing plans for validation of fuel economy, performance, durability attributes, combustion strategy, and engine system architecture
Define test objectives and select experimental methodologies and designs
Specify engine testing equipment and instrumentation, including data acquisition systems and emissions sampling equipment
Ensure testing adheres to engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and safety protocols
Coordinate engineering teams, resources, test preparation, scheduling, and execution
Troubleshoot technical issues during testing
Post-process engine test data using data analysis and visualization tools, including MATLAB and AVL Concerto
Conduct data quality checks to ensure data integrity and accuracy
Analyze engine combustion, fuel economy, performance, and emissions data using thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and combustion principles
Define optimal engine designs and calibrations
Prepare and present technical reports and data summaries to engineering and management teams
Develop and implement post-processing tools, scripts, algorithms, and software
Prepare test data for cross-functional team presentations

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related field of study
4+ years of experience in the automotive industry
4+ years of experience in engine design or knowledge of engine functions
Experience in engine testing, combustion data analysis, and engine controls calibration
Experience with Diesel or Spark Ignited Combustion processes
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

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
Fertility treatments
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