Ford Motor Company

Manager, BESS Platform Engineering, Ford Energy

Ford Motor Company • $141K — $268K *
Dearborn, MI 48126In-Person
Energy & Utilities
8 - 10 years of experience
3 weeks ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, or related Engineering field.
  • 10+ years of experience in battery systems, energy storage, or complex hardware development.
  • 5+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams or technical organizations.
  • Strong background in systems engineering, requirements management, and technical program execution.
  • Proven experience leading design, validation, and release activities for complex systems.
  • Strong understanding of high-voltage systems, thermal management, and product validation.

Responsibilities

  • Manage, coach, and develop the BESS platform engineering team, ensuring clear technical direction and professional growth.
  • Own the technical definition of the BESS platform architecture with requirements flowdown and configuration control.
  • Lead the design, development, and release of BESS platform components, ensuring rigorous technical review.
  • Partner closely with Technical Solutions, Sales, and PMO to translate customer requirements into engineering deliverables.
  • Coordinate cultivation of engineering rigor across all in-house engineering activities.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work environment with flexible location options.
  • Opportunity to transition into a wholly owned subsidiary focused on Battery Energy Storage Systems.
  • Professional growth and development through coaching and mentoring.
  • Exposure to executive-level communication and project integration.
Full Job Description
Job Description

In this position...

The Manager, BESS Platform Engineering, will be accountable for the systems engineering leadership and execution of Ford Energy's BESS platform. Reporting to the Chief Engineer, you will lead a multi-disciplinary team responsible for requirements definition, architecture development, and industrialization readiness. This is a critical leadership role that combines deep technical expertise with operational discipline to ensure our BESS products are technically sound, safety-compliant, and ready for large-scale deployment.

Responsibilities

What you'll do...
  • People & Organizational Leadership
    • Manage, coach, and develop the BESS platform engineering team, ensuring clear technical direction, accountability, and professional growth.
    • Establish engineering processes, design reviews, and verification gates to improve speed, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
    • Lead escalation management for technical and systems integration issues, coordinating rapid response across internal and external partners.
    • Maintain visibility into engineering risks and develop robust mitigation plans with clear ownership.
  • Systems Engineering & Platform Architecture
    • Own the technical definition of the BESS platform architecture, including requirements flowdown, interface management, and configuration control.
    • Establish and reinforce systems engineering rigor across all in-house engineering activities (requirements, verification, validation).
    • Drive systems integration and verification planning across battery, thermal, controls, power electronics, and enclosure interfaces.
    • Coordinate closely with the Certification Lead to ensure engineering evidence and design intent support UL and regulatory objectives.
  • Technical Design & CAE Oversight
    • Lead the design, development, and release of BESS platform components and subsystems, ensuring rigorous technical review.
    • Guide and review thermal, safety, and mechanical engineering activities, including CAE analysis (FEA/CFD), design trade studies, and risk reduction.
    • Drive technical alignment with key suppliers to ensure design intent, quality, and interface compatibility are met.
    • Lead interactions with external test houses and Independent Engineering firms to ensure credible technical substantiation.
  • Commercial & Project Integration
    • Partner closely with Technical Solutions, Sales, and PMO to ensure customer requirements are translated into executable engineering deliverables.
    • Ensure technical scope, schedule, and certification dependencies are aligned with project requirements and customer commitments.
    • Interface directly with internal and external executive-level stakeholders to communicate technical positions, risks, and tradeoffs.


Qualifications

You'll have...
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, or related Engineering field.
  • 10+ years of experience in battery systems, energy storage, or complex hardware development.
  • 5+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams or technical organizations.
  • Strong background in systems engineering, requirements management, and technical program execution.
  • Proven experience leading design, validation, and release activities for complex systems.
  • Strong understanding of high-voltage systems, thermal management, and product validation.


Even better, you may have...
  • Master's or PhD degree in a relevant technical field.
  • Direct experience with stationary BESS and UL certification programs (UL 9540/9540A).
  • Experience in thermal, safety, or mechanical CAE (FEA/CFD-based analysis).
  • Experience with supplier development, product industrialization, and launch readiness.
  • Background in automotive high-voltage systems or electrified vehicle platforms.
  • Leadership Attributes
    • Organizational Architect who can build and scale high-performing engineering teams with disciplined execution.
    • Decisive Decision-Maker capable of balancing technical rigor with the speed and agility of a startup environment.
    • Player-Coach who operates with credibility at the expert level while effectively managing people and priorities.
    • Collaborative Partner who can bridge the gap between engineering, manufacturing, sales, and executive leadership.
  • Location & Travel
    • Flexible Location: This position is hybrid-friendly for candidates with a proven ability to deliver results outside of a traditional office environment.
    • Travel Expectations: This role requires travel to support manufacturing sites, supplier locations, and test labs to ensure engineering standards are being executed.


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!

This position is leadership level 5 and ranges from $141,700-268,300.

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/LL5FE

Company: As Ford establishes a wholly owned subsidiary focused on Battery Energy Storage Systems, this role will initially be employed by Ford and is expected to transition to the subsidiary within one year.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.

#Li-Hybrid

#li-RC1

#FordEnergy

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company manufactures or distributes automobiles in addition to offering financial services. The company sells to dealerships for retail sales, and for sale to fleet customers, including commercial fleet customers, daily rental car companies, and governments. Ford’s vehicle portfolio includes automobiles, buses, tractors, and trucks. Retail financing includes retail installment sale contracts for new and used vehicles, and direct financing leases for new vehicles to retail customers, government entities, daily rental car companies, and fleet customers. Finance receivables in the non-consumer portfolio include products offered to automotive dealers. Ford’s environmental initiatives include compressed natural gas, flexible fuel vehicles, electric drive vehicles, Hydrogen, PC power management, and so on. Ford Motor Company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903 and is headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford Motor Company Careers

Join the dynamic team at Ford Motor Company, a global leader in automotive innovation and manufacturing. At Ford, we are committed to driving human progress by providing outstanding vehicles and mobility solutions. This is an exciting time to become part of our inclusive team, where job opportunities abound and growth is not just a possibility, but a promise.

Work You’ll Do

At Ford Motor Company, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Our professionals are at the forefront of automotive technology, leading projects that redefine transportation and sustainability. With a culture rooted in continuous improvement and respect for all, Ford offers a workplace where leadership, diversity training, and innovation are part of everyday life.

Join Our Market-Leading Team

Ford’s commitment to excellence is why we are a leader in the automotive sector. We offer a variety of career paths, from engineering to marketing, all designed to foster professional and personal growth. Our team benefits from Ford’s commitment to professional development and networking opportunities, ensuring that every team member can reach their full potential.

Innovative Work

Engage in work that makes a difference. Ford Motor Company is pioneering developments in electrification, autonomous vehicles, and smart mobility solutions. Our team of over 190,000 employees worldwide is dedicated to crafting experiences that improve the way the world moves.

Be Part of a Great Team

Working at Ford means more than just having a job; it means being part of a global family. Our culture promotes teamwork, integrity, and respect—values that underpin everything we do. We believe in nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment where every employee can thrive.

Future-Proof Your Career

Ford Motor Company is not just a great place to work; it’s a place to build a lasting career. Our employees enjoy competitive benefits, comprehensive health care, and retirement plans that rank among the best in the industry. We support career advancement through extensive training programs and hands-on experience in the latest automotive technologies.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a student interested in an internship, Ford has opportunities that will harness your skills and ignite your ambition. Our hiring process is straightforward and respectful, designed to match your skills and passions with the right position.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Ready to start your journey with Ford? Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that’s building the future of transportation.

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here.

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities awaiting you at Ford Motor Company. Join us at Ford, where we go further so you can go farther in your career.
Learn more about Ford Motor Company
Size
183,000 employees
Market Cap
$44.8 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
-$1.2 billion
Founded
1903
5 Year Trend
-2.1%
Revenue
$127.1 billion
NASDAQ
F
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at Ford Motor Company

More Energy & Utilities Jobs

Find similar Manager, BESS Platform Engineering, Ford Energy jobs:

NationwideDearborn, MI