Thermal Systems Engineer

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...

As an R&A Thermal Systems Research Engineer, you will pioneer next-generation thermal system components and architectures - engineering energy-efficient, robust, compact, and cost-effective solutions that power the future of mobility. You'll drive innovation across both traditional ICE platforms (Gas, Diesel) and cutting-edge electrified vehicles (xEV, BEV, Fuel Cell), pushing the boundaries of thermal management and vehicle energy performance to shape what drives tomorrow.

Ford's Research and Advanced Engineering team takes new ideas from theory to reality. Every day, we develop advanced energy management and propulsion technologies, create cutting-edge materials and manufacturing processes, and curate world-class cabin experiences that redefine what it means to drive a Ford

What you'll do....

• Lead cutting-edge technology programs to conceptualize, design, develop, validate, and deliver next-generation thermal management systems and components across Ford and Lincoln's full vehicle portfolio - spanning ICE (Gas & Diesel), xEV, BEV, and Fuel Cell platforms.

• Champion systems engineering rigor by applying advanced problem-solving methodologies (Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, DFMEA, RCL, RDM) to drive design development, cascade requirements, and shape project scope.

• Partner with and lead cross-functional teams to define requirements and design verification plans that ensure robust, high-performing systems.

• Own and drive advanced research workstreams end-to-end - from design conceptualization through supplier engagement, simulation, and testing - to deliver breakthrough technology and validate robustness.

• Translate simulation, bench, and vehicle test data into actionable insights, driving design optimization and performance improvements.

• Serve as a technical leader and connector across Ford's Research, Product Development, Manufacturing, and Planning organizations to accelerate the launch of new thermal technologies into production vehicles.

• Define and communicate technical requirements to suppliers, guiding design development and validation of emerging technologies.

• Engage directly with suppliers to evaluate and advance new thermal systems and component designs.

• Direct CAD designers to develop innovative technology designs and assess vehicle packaging feasibility.

• Own systems engineering documentation and serve as the key communicator of engineering assumptions across cross-functional stakeholders.

• Lead high-visibility GTDS project execution and gateway reviews, presenting technical strategy and progress to senior management.

• Propose and lead collaborative research projects with leading universities to develop new thermal system design concepts and next-generation technologies.

What you'll do....

• Lead cutting-edge technology programs to conceptualize, design, develop, validate, and deliver next-generation thermal management systems and components across Ford and Lincoln's full vehicle portfolio - spanning ICE (Gas & Diesel), xEV, BEV, and Fuel Cell platforms.

• Champion systems engineering rigor by applying advanced problem-solving methodologies (Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, DFMEA, RCL, RDM) to drive design development, cascade requirements, and shape project scope.

• Partner with and lead cross-functional teams to define requirements and design verification plans that ensure robust, high-performing systems.

• Own and drive advanced research workstreams end-to-end - from design conceptualization through supplier engagement, simulation, and testing - to deliver breakthrough technology and validate robustness.

• Translate simulation, bench, and vehicle test data into actionable insights, driving design optimization and performance improvements.

• Serve as a technical leader and connector across Ford's Research, Product Development, Manufacturing, and Planning organizations to accelerate the launch of new thermal technologies into production vehicles.

• Define and communicate technical requirements to suppliers, guiding design development and validation of emerging technologies.

• Engage directly with suppliers to evaluate and advance new thermal systems and component designs.

• Direct CAD designers to develop innovative technology designs and assess vehicle packaging feasibility.

• Own systems engineering documentation and serve as the key communicator of engineering assumptions across cross-functional stakeholders.

• Lead high-visibility GTDS project execution and gateway reviews, presenting technical strategy and progress to senior management.

• Propose and lead collaborative research projects with leading universities to develop new thermal system design concepts and next-generation technologies.