Automotive Thermal Systems Engineer – Climate & Test Lead

Ford; Dearborn (MI); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI is seeking a Product Development Engineer – Thermal Systems Attribute to lead integration and validation of hardware and software across propulsion, battery, and climate control as part of F-150 5.0L programs. This role focuses on wind tunnel and road tests to close thermal performance gaps early in development and to deliver on thermal and cabin comfort targets.

The position is hybrid and salary grade 5-8, with compensation guided by experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 1+ years of hands-on vehicle attribute development or testing.
• Understanding of climate control refrigerant and air handling interacting with subsystems.
• Basic CAD understanding for vehicle architecture.
• Knowledge of ICE/xEV vehicle systems.

Responsibilities

• Sign-off vehicle thermal system including wind tunnel and road development.
• Collaborate with propulsion teams to develop calibration parameters for climate control.
• Calibrate Dual Automatic Temperature Control systems.
• Ensure components meet requirements to deliver climate performance.
• Analyze test data to verify expected behavior and pass requirements.
• Troubleshoot performance gaps and propose solutions.
• Apply thermal/cabin CAE tools for A/C, heater, and battery thermal simulations.
• Coordinate vehicle testing to support program milestones.
• Plan and execute wind tunnel and road tests; analyze supplier data.
• Ensure climate control strategies are implemented in programs.
• Lead technical reviews with confidence, humility, and collaboration.

Skills

Vehicle testing

Climate control systems

Data analysis

CAD basics

ICE/xEV systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CANoe

CANalyzer

CANape

ATI

Job description

Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI is seeking a Product Development Engineer – Thermal Systems Attribute to lead integration and validation of hardware and software across propulsion, battery, and climate control as part of F-150 5.0L programs. This role focuses on wind tunnel and road tests to close thermal performance gaps early in development and to deliver on thermal and cabin comfort targets.

The position is hybrid and salary grade 5-8, with compensation guided by experience.