Powertrain Simulation Engineer

Ford Motor Company

. Develop vehicle, powertrain, and component-level CAE models using Matlab/Simulink and other programs.

Posted 9/24/2026full-timeAllen Park • Michigan • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $65,100 - $166,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and validating dynamic system models for automotive powertrain systems using Matlab/Simulink, with a strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, control systems, and simulation environments. Proficient in applying machine learning and optimization techniques to enhance model accuracy and performance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Matlab/SimulinkDynamic System ModelingReal-Time Control SystemsAutomotive Powertrain SystemsMachine Learning

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Dynamic System ModelingControl System DesignData AnalysisSimulation DevelopmentModel CalibrationOptimization TechniquesVehicle DynamicsThermodynamicsFluid DynamicsEmbedded Control Software

Soft Skills

Problem-SolvingWritten CommunicationOral CommunicationCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

AMESimGT-POWERDymolaCarSimCarMakerPythonC++Telemetry SystemsHardware-in-the-Loop TestingVehicle Sensors

Industry Keywords

Automotive EngineeringPowertrain SystemsInternal Combustion EnginesElectric MachinesMechatronic ActuatorsHydraulicsVehicle Dynamics SoftwareCAN CommunicationEthernet CommunicationLIN Communication

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop vehicle, powertrain, and component-level CAE models using Matlab/Simulink and other programs.
Analyze dynamic system performance and complex system interactions across ICE, batteries, electric machines, transmissions, driveline, and tires.
Integrate powertrain plant models with vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, vehicle controls, and external partner models.
Create simulation environments for desktop, model-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and driver-in-the-loop testing.
Collaborate with controls, calibration, test, and program engineers.
Design concept vehicle simulation studies and develop hardware and vehicle requirements recommendations.
Design and implement plant models supporting controls and calibration development.
Develop driver-in-the-loop and dyno control plant models based on track-driving behavior.
Optimize powertrain hardware and control parameters to meet targets.
Plan and perform hardware testing using test vehicles, dynamometers, labs, or external suppliers.
Develop analytical data-processing tools to estimate and optimize model parameters and maintain model-to-hardware correlation.
Deploy trackside tools to analyze on-track powertrain performance and identify performance deltas.
Use machine learning, AI, and optimization techniques to characterize complex systems and reduce model calibration effort.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or an equivalent technical degree.
2 years' experience developing dynamic system models for simulation and control design.
2 years' experience in the design, development, and validation of real-time control systems in both modeling environments and prototype hardware.
Understanding of automotive powertrain systems and controls, general physics, thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and vehicle dynamics.
Fundamental knowledge of general dynamics, hydraulics, electric machines, batteries, internal combustion engines, and mechatronic actuators.
2 years of demonstrated experience using Matlab/Simulink for system modeling, simulation, data analysis, and embedded control software implementation.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Preferred experience includes combustion engine operation, multidisciplinary vehicle subsystem model integration, AMESim, GT-POWER, Dymola, CarSim, CarMaker, Python, C++, racing tools, telemetry systems, vehicle dynamics software, AI/machine learning, dyno and hardware-in-the-loop testing, vehicle sensors, and CAN/Ethernet/LIN/UDP communication.
M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering is preferred.
Excellent problem-solving, written/oral communication, and collaboration skills.

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.