Research Engineer

Job Description

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

In this position...

Most CAE engineers are specialists (e.g., only crash or only forming). This role is a Generalist-Integrator at the cutting edge of "Smart Manufacturing" and "Industry 4.0”. You aren't just running a simulation; you are "weaving" the results of one simulation into the starting conditions of the next. This is the essence of the end-to-end Digital Thread—ensuring that the final structural analysis isn't based on a "perfect" CAD model, but on a "realistic" model that has been virtually formed, welded, and baked.

We seek a Digital Architect of Physics with the ability to code and a solid grasp of non-linear mechanics to architect a Manufacturing Digital Thread spanning Metal Forming (Stamping/Casting), Body Construction, and Paint. You will collaborate with domain experts to translate material physics into automated CAD/CAE applications, bridging engineering silos to optimize the structural attributes and minimize dimensional variation.

Responsibilities

What you'll do...

App Development & Integration: Research and design custom 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX)/Catia tools using C++ and Python. Architect linkage programs to automate data flow between simulation solvers (Hypermesh, LS-DYNA, AutoForm) and CAD environments.

Computational Performance: Ensure developed tools and data pipelines are robust and computationally efficient, minimizing latency and maximizing throughput for large-scale simulation data.

Data Analytics & DOE: Lead statistical sensitivity studies and Design of Experiments (DOE) to optimize manufacturing robustness. Validate the accuracy and performance of 3DX implementations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Ford subject matter experts in forming, joining, and surface science to develop a unified digital twin for stamping, structural casting, and coating workflows.

Process Optimization: Streamline simulation run-times and automate data processing to enable 100% in-house feasibility validation and rapid design iterations.

Qualifications

You'll have...

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering or Computer Science and Engineering

2+ years of experience in industry and graduate study developing and applying skills in architectural data integration, CAE-based virtual manufacturing, solid mechanics, material behavior, statistical variation methods, and GD&T

Architectural Logic, Data & Integration: Highly proficient in Python, MATLAB, or C++ for linking disparate data formats; experience with PLM systems such as Catia V5/V6, 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX), Siemens NX

Simulation: Knowledge of virtual manufacturing using CAE suites such as Ansys Minerva, Abaqus, LS-DYNA, or Nastran, Simufact, ESY Sysweld

Even better, you may have...

Theory: Strong foundation in Solid Mechanics (elasticity, plasticity), material deformation, and thermal-mechanical behavior.

Material Science: Deep understanding of stress-strain behavior, anisotropy in sheet metal, and phase transformations during welding or baking

Statistics: Proficiency of Monte Carlo simulations and Six Sigma principles to handle "variation" as a statistical input rather than a single deterministic value.

GD&T: Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing to manage dimensional "stack-ups."

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

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.


This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $86,600-$144,900.

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.

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