Ford Motor Company

Senior Systems Engineer

Ford Motor Company$68K — $192K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field.
  • 7+ years of proven experience in systems engineering or complex systems integration, ideally in automotive, aerospace, or defense industries.
  • Demonstrated expertise in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and experience with SysML and modeling tools (e.g., MagicDraw).
  • Strong proficiency in analytical modeling tools such as MATLAB and Simulink.
  • Deep understanding of Systems Engineering V-model and requirements derivation.
  • Expertise in formal problem-solving methodologies (8D, Six Sigma).
  • Exceptional analytical skills and the ability to negotiate cross-functional trade-offs.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and maintenance of comprehensive system models using SysML.
  • Define, decompose, and ensure compliance of functional requirements with regulatory standards.
  • Conduct technical trade-off discussions to optimize performance while balancing cost and manufacturability.
  • Develop analytical models for electromechanical systems and conduct various loop analyses.
  • Drive the creation of robust Failure Mode Analysis methodologies and utilize AI tools for improvement.
  • Ensure rigorous execution of the Verification & Validation process to minimize risks.
  • Act as the primary authority on cross-functional design and integration issues, resolving systemic problems.

Benefits

  • Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
  • Flexible family care days and paid parental leave benefits.
  • Family building benefits including adoption reimbursement and fertility treatments.
  • Employee vehicle discount program and management lease options.
  • Tuition assistance for further education.
  • Active employee resource groups promoting inclusivity.
  • Paid time off for community service and generous holiday schedule.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Responsibilities

In this position...

The Systems Engineering team provides end-to-end, industrialized solutions encompassing the entire lifecycle of complex vehicle systems. From initial concept and requirements derivation through architecture design, integration, testing, and deployment, we ensure seamless coordination across multidisciplinary teams to deliver highly optimized, innovative, and safe vehicles.

We are seeking a highly capable and rigorous Systems Engineer to drive product excellence and system integration. In this role, you will apply aerospace-caliber systems engineering principles to automotive development, leveraging advanced Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) technologies to improve quality, reliability, and efficiency. You will manage the complete system lifecycle-acting as the central technical authority for system-level architecture, trade studies, optimization, and Model-Based Failure Mode Analysis (MBFMA). By combining deep technical expertise with a holistic, highly structured approach to system design, you will ensure that all functional, safety, and operational requirements are strictly met and validated.

What you'll do...
  • System Architecture & Modeling: Lead the development and maintenance of comprehensive system models using SysML (MagicDraw), including boundary diagrams, Use Case Diagrams, Behavior Diagrams, and detailed component interactions.
  • Requirements Engineering: Define, decompose, and cascade realistic, balanced targets and functional requirements from the vehicle level down to hardware/software subsystem stakeholders, ensuring strict traceability and compliance with regulatory and safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262).
  • Trade Studies & Optimization: Lead formal technical trade-off discussions and decision matrices within Systems Engineering Reviews to optimize solutions across cost, weight, performance, and manufacturability objectives. Develop and use Tradespaces, utility curves, and Design Structure Matrices
  • Analytical Modeling & Simulation: Develop mathematical and analytical models for electromechanical systems (using free body diagrams, MATLAB, and Simulink) to conduct Model-in-the-Loop (MiL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL), and Requirements-in-the-Loop (RiL) analyses.
  • Rigorous Failure Mode Analysis: Drive the development of robust MBFMAs including P-diagrams, DFMEAs, and Fault Tree Analyses. Utilize Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI assistants to enhance the speed, accuracy, and depth of failure mode identification.
  • Verification & Validation (V&V): Ensure the on-time and rigorous execution of the Robustness Checklist process and secure necessary signoffs to minimize failure risks and guarantee part reliability under all operational conditions.
  • Complex Problem Solving: Act as the primary engineering authority for cross-functional design and integration issues, applying advanced statistical methods and formal root-cause analysis frameworks (e.g., 8D, Six Sigma, 3L5Y) to identify and permanently resolve systemic issues.
  • Cross-Functional Leadership: Drive alignment across design, manufacturing, electrical, and purchasing teams, translating complex stakeholder constraints into clear, measurable system requirements.

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 5 and ranges from $68,300-$114,800

This position is a salary grade 6 and ranges from $85,400-$143,200

This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $99,600-$166,600

This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $115,000-$192,900

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.

Qualifications

You'll have...
  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 7+ years of proven experience in systems engineering, architecture development, or complex systems integration (automotive, aerospace, or defense industries preferred).
  • Demonstrated expertise in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and hands-on experience with SysML and modeling tools (e.g., MagicDraw, Dassault 3DX, Catia V6).
  • Strong proficiency in analytical modeling and simulation tools (MATLAB, Simulink, LABVIEW, SIMSOLID).
  • Deep understanding of the Systems Engineering V-model, requirements derivation, and structured engineering processes.
  • Expertise in formal problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, Six Sigma, 3L5Y) and statistical analysis.
  • Exceptional analytical thinking, emotional resilience, and the ability to effectively negotiate and drive cross-functional trade-offs

Even better, you may have...
  • Master's degree in Systems Engineering or related field.
  • INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional Certification (ASEP/CSEP) or OMG SysML Certification.
  • Experience with functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262, ARP4754, or DO-178C).
  • Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt Certification.
  • Proven experience transitioning traditional document-based engineering processes into an industrialized, model-based environment.
  • Familiarity with Ford-specific engineering tools and processes (TCe/FEDE, CAE/IPS, JIRA).

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.

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Learn more about Ford Motor Company
Size
183,000 employees
Market Cap
$44.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$1.2 billion
Founded
1903
5 Year Trend
-2.1%
Revenue
$127.1 billion
NASDAQ

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