Thermal Engineer

Ford Motor Company

. Support thermal-system modeling and development for battery, drive unit, and powertrain products .

Posted 10/13/2026full-timeLong Beach • California • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $100,400 - $232,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in thermal-system modeling and development, with strong fundamentals in heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics. Proficient in MATLAB and Python for data analysis and modeling, with hands-on experience in prototype builds and validation testing.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Thermal-System ModelingHeat Transfer FundamentalsMATLAB Data AnalysisPrototype Builds and ValidationCollaboration in Cross-Functional Teams

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

ThermodynamicsFluid MechanicsData AnalysisModelingFirst-Principles Problem SolvingTechnical DocumentationThermal Component Feasibility StudiesValidation PlansTest MethodsExperimental Data Analysis

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationTask ManagementCollaborative Work

Tools & Technologies

MATLABPythonSTAR-CCM+ANSYSCOMSOLCATIASolidWorks

Industry Keywords

Battery Thermal SystemsEnergy StorageEV DevelopmentHVACPowertrain Thermal ManagementDesign Validation PlansDFMEADesign-for-Manufacturing

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support thermal-system modeling and development for battery, drive unit, and powertrain products
Build and use reduced-order thermal/fluid models to support system and component decisions
Assist with thermal component and subsystem feasibility studies
Support prototype builds, test setup, instrumentation, and data acquisition
Analyze test data and compare measured performance against model predictions
Develop and support validation plans, test methods, and technical summaries
Document model assumptions, specifications, design updates, test results, and validation findings
Work with test engineers and subject matter experts to understand correlation between predicted and measured results
Collaborate with controls, electrical, software, manufacturing, validation, and supplier teams to resolve technical issues
Support continuous improvement of thermal models, tools, workflows, and development methodologies
Help identify opportunities to improve thermal performance, system efficiency, manufacturability, cost, and reliability

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
Strong fundamentals in heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics
Coursework, internship, research, or project experience with thermal systems
MATLAB and/or Python experience for data analysis, modeling, or automation
Familiarity with thermal components such as heat exchangers, compressors, pumps, fans, cold plates, coolant loops, or refrigerant systems
Ability to analyze data, document results, and communicate findings clearly
Ability to manage multiple tasks
First-principles approach to engineering problem solving
Ability and eagerness to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-functional EV development environment
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Preferred: experience with physics-based 1D modeling or reduced-order thermal/fluid models
Preferred: exposure to CFD/FEA tools such as STAR-CCM+, ANSYS, COMSOL, or similar
Preferred: CAD experience; CATIA or SolidWorks
Preferred: experience with prototype builds, instrumentation, data acquisition, and validation testing
Preferred: familiarity with battery thermal systems, energy storage, EVs, HVAC, or powertrain thermal management
Preferred: familiarity with design validation plans, DFMEA, design-for-manufacturing, or technical design documentation
Preferred: experience analyzing experimental data from lab, supplier, vehicle, or field-representative testing
Preferred: hands-on experience in a lab, test cell, prototype shop, Formula SAE, Baja SAE, solar car, robotics, battery research, or similar engineering environment

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
Paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Paid time off
Option to purchase additional vacation time
Visa sponsorship is available