Research Engineer – Advanced Electrified Propulsion Systems

Ford Motor Company

. Develop and integrate innovative, next-generation electrified powertrain systems and technologies for future products .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeDearborn • Michigan • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $74,300 - $166,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and integrating electrified powertrain systems, with a strong focus on systems engineering, subsystem architecture, and hands-on testing. Proficient in analyzing propulsion system performance and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovative solutions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Electrified Powertrain SystemsSystems EngineeringSubsystem ArchitectureHands-On TestingCross-Functional Team Collaboration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Powertrain Subsystem SizingThermal ManagementDesign Verification PlansTroubleshooting and DiagnosticsData AnalysisBoundary DiagramsP-DiagramsDFMEAsAdvanced Propulsion System DesignVehicle-Level Testing

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsProblem-SolvingTeam Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeExcelWordPowerPointProject

Industry Keywords

Electrified SystemsHigh-Voltage ArchitecturesEnergy StorageDrivelineNVHVehicle Proving GroundsPrototype VehiclesBreadboardsDyno Test BedsClean-Sheet Design

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and integrate innovative, next-generation electrified powertrain systems and technologies for future products
Provide systems engineering expertise for advanced propulsion designs
Understand how subsystem sizing, high-voltage architectures, thermal limits, and packaging affect vehicle-level attributes
Size, select, and define subsystem architectures based on power, energy, mass, thermal capacity, cost, and other priorities
Support integration, wiring/control interfacing, and initial commissioning of advanced propulsion subsystems into prototype vehicles, breadboards, and dyno test beds
Lead cross-functional projects involving 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
Assess propulsion system tradeoffs among thermal, packaging, NVH, and hardware/software solutions
Perform hands-on troubleshooting and diagnostics on prototype vehicles and benches
Collect and analyze propulsion system and vehicle test data from lab benches, dynos, and on-road testing
Apply systems engineering and problem-solving 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, Aerospace Engineering, Physics or related field
2 years prior experience with electrified systems, including sizing, packaging, testing, and integration of powertrain subsystems
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 battery, motor, and thermal systems
Willingness and ability to work in offices, labs, and vehicles locally and at Ford Proving Grounds
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
Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
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