Ford Motor Company

Vehicle Controls Engineer - Propulsion Controls

Ford Motor Company$99K — $192K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • M.S. in engineering related to control systems
  • 6+ years in dynamic systems modeling and real-time controls development
  • 6+ years understanding automotive powertrain systems and vehicle dynamics
  • 6+ years developing controls software in C or C++
  • 6+ years using Matlab/Simulink or Python for simulation and data analysis
  • 6+ years experience in Linux, Unix, and Windows environments
  • 6+ years using unit testing platforms for tools development

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement advanced embedded control algorithms
  • Validate designs using Model-in-the-Loop (MIL), Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL)
  • Utilize physics-based and data-driven models for system analysis
  • Integrate connected vehicle data and machine learning for energy management
  • Document and present research for global engineering collaboration

Benefits

  • Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
  • Flexible family care days and paid parental leave
  • Tuition assistance for further education
  • Employee vehicle discount program
  • Paid time off for community service
  • Generous holiday schedule including Christmas to New Year
Full Job Description
Job Description

We are seeking a highly technical professional who will develop control systems for our newest powertrain technologies. You will focus on analyzing customer needs and defining required architecture and functionality early in the development cycle, modeling and simulating propulsion system operation, designing and implementing control algorithms, and validating designs in desktop simulation, hardware benches, test stands and prototype vehicles. Successful candidates for this position will possess a track record of strong independent thinking, effective communication, self-motivation, complex system troubleshooting, and thrive in an environment where they need to understand the complete workings of propulsion controls and the complex interactions between subsystems.

In this position...
  • True Innovation (Not Just Maintenance): You will work in Research and Advanced Engineering, meaning you are developing technologies for future vehicle programs, not just fixing legacy code.
  • The Full Spectrum of Controls: Take your designs from pure math and desktop simulation (MIL/SIL) to hardware testing (HIL), and ultimately to calibrating and driving actual prototype vehicles.
  • Modern Toolchains & AI Integration: We value your time. You will leverage modern software practices, automated CI/CD pipelines, and cutting-edge AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot to accelerate development.
  • Connected Vehicle Power: You will harness the power of cloud computing, wireless vehicle data, and AI/ML to develop predictive, self-optimizing energy management systems.


Responsibilities

What you'll do...

Algorithm Design & Simulation: Develop, simulate, and implement advanced embedded control algorithms (including feedback controls, state estimation, and Model Predictive Control) to optimize vehicle efficiency, performance, and drivability.
Virtual & Physical Validation: Leverage Model-in-the-Loop (MIL), Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments to rigorously test and validate your designs before they hit the road.
Dynamic System Modeling: Utilize physics-based and data-driven CAE models of electric motors, batteries, engines, and mechatronic actuators to analyze complex system interactions and optimize parameters.
Next-Gen Tech Integration: Collaborate with systems engineering and cloud teams to integrate connected vehicle data (traffic, route, weather) and machine learning models for advanced energy prognostics.
Global Collaboration: Document and present your research to global engineering partners, facilitating the seamless transfer of advanced technology into production vehicle programs.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:
  • M.S. or equivalent in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, systems engineering or similar field with a control systems focus
  • 6+ years of experience in dynamic systems modeling and real-time controls development for automotive or similar complex electromechanical systems
  • 6+ years in roles requiring understanding of automotive powertrain (including hybrid electrical vehicle) systems and controls, and vehicle dynamics with fundamental knowledge of general dynamics, hydraulics, electric machines, batteries, internal combustion engines, and mechatronic actuators
  • 6+ years in roles demonstrating the ability to develop controls software for embedded targets using C or C++
  • 6+ years in roles demonstrating the ability to use Matlab/Simulink or Python for system modeling, simulation, scripting, and data analysis
  • 6+ years of experience working in Linux, Unix and Windows environments
  • 6+ years of experience with unit testing platforms for tools development (pytest, Google Test, Ceedling)
  • 6+ years experience with standard systems engineering tools including boundary diagrams, fault tree analyses, FMEAs, P-diagrams, etc.
  • 6+ years in roles demonstrating excellence in problem-solving (with a passion for new technology development)
  • 6+ years of experience in roles requiring effective communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills in a team environment and the ability to work well with others as part of a diverse global team


Additional Desired Skills:
  • Ph.D. or equivalent in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, systems engineering or similar field
  • 3+ years of experience in distributed systems engineering including requirements management, function decomposition and allocation, failure mode avoidance, robustness analysis, and system validation and verification
  • Experience with modern build systems (Bazel, Gradle) and continuous integration and continuous delivery systems (Jenkins, GitHub Actions)
  • Experience with longitudinal controls for xEV systems (series hybrid, parallel hybrid, mild hybrid, battery electric, fuel cell)
  • Familiarity with ISO26262 engineering tools including Hazard Analysis, Functional Safety Concept, Safety Requirements Specification, Functional Safety Requirements, Technical Safety Requirements
  • Hands-on experience with distributed system prototyping, troubleshooting, and commissioning
  • Experience using Matlab/Simulink for embedded controls development
  • Experience with standard version control and collaboration systems (ClearCase, AccuRev, git, GitHub)
  • Experience applying CAE (MIL/SIL/HIL, virtual system/plant models, regression testing) concepts and CI (Jenkins, GitHub, Gradle) tools in robust system controls development
  • Knowledge of automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN) and experience with analysis tools including CANalyzer, CANape, CANLab, etc.
  • Familiarity with Ford development processes GTDS and GPDS
  • Familiarity with Ford systems engineering systems and tools including VSEM, FEDE, Stages, FRD, HLF


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 range of salary grades 7-8 and ranges from $99,600-192,900.
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

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-KS4

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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