CAE Engineer - Early Career Program, Advanced EV

Ford; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation stipend

Job summary

Ford is seeking an intern for the 6-month Early Career Program in California to advance CAE and optimization across BIW structures. You will build FE models, explore topology optimization, and work with D&R engineers to push cost- and mass-reduction opportunities, while adopting AI-driven analytics and automation.

You will gain hands-on experience with CAD/FEA tools, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to innovative EV programs.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Demonstrated ability in structures design and optimization, from hand calcs to detailed analysis and execution.
• Strong first-principles understanding of solid mechanics and mechanics of materials.
• Proficient in finite element methods, including linear and non-linear static analysis.
• Experience with FEA solvers: Abaqus, OptiStruct, nCode, ANSYS.

Responsibilities

• Drive CAE and optimization of next-generation ADVEV products in Body, Exteriors, Closures, Seats.
• Develop finite element models from component to subsystem levels for stiffness, strength, durability checks.
• Collaborate with D&R engineers to pursue cost and mass-down opportunities via topology and shape optimization.
• Identify and implement new CAE techniques and tools to improve model robustness and speed.
• Automate analysis methods to support large DoEs and surrogate models using deep learning.
• Participate in CAE/design reviews to present findings and influence design decisions.

Skills

CAE optimization

Solid mechanics

Mechanics of materials

Python programming

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Abaqus

OptiStruct

nCode

ANSYS

HyperMesh

SimLab

ANSA

Python scripting

Job description

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.

Join us for a 6-month Early Career Program and help build the future of mobility. You'll work alongside top engineering, design, and software talent to create groundbreaking EVs. You'll contribute to key technologies like advanced structures, thermal management, hardware/software integration, and vehicle architectures. This is your chance to gain hands‑on experience and make a real impact on the automotive industry.

The ADVEV Structures and CAE team owns the body-in-white (BIW) architecture of Ford’s new EV platforms, from early-program studies through production‑intent design, analysis, and physical validation.

As an intern on the NVH and Durability team, you’ll be exposed to current and future BIW structures design loops, engaging in every element of the workstream including concept generation, detailed analysis, design for manufacture, and CAD. You’ll support CAE development of cost and mass‑down opportunities for key structural parts and assemblies, tied to stiffness, strength, and durability requirements. You’ll also explore new optimization workflows, adopt leading AI methods, deploy custom tools, and automate analysis to explore broad design domains and accelerate decision making.

Program: 6-months (shorter duration possible in some cases), starting as early as spring 2027!

Work arrangement: Candidates may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.

Stipend: $5,000 pre‑tax relocation stipend for eligible candidates living 50+ miles away.

What you’ll do…

• Drive CAE and optimization of next-generation ADVEV products in one or more of the following areas: Body, Exteriors, Closures, Seats.
• Develop finite element models from component and subsystem levels to evaluate designs against stiffness, strength, and durability metrics using linear and non‑linear analysis techniques.
• Work with D& R engineers to execute cost and mass‑down opportunities using topology, topography, gauge, and shape optimization.
• Identify, develop, and implement new CAE techniques, analysis procedures, and tools to improve model robustness, fidelity, and simulation execution speed.
• Automate analysis methods to support large‑scale DoEs, create surrogate models using deep learning techniques, and explore design domains using response surface methods.
• Participate in CAE/design reviews to present findings and influence design decisions.

You’ll have…

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability in structures design and optimization, from hand calcs to detailed analysis and execution.
• Strong first‑principles understanding of solid mechanics and mechanics of materials.
• Proficient in finite element methods, including linear and non‑linear static analysis
• Experience in one or more of the following FEA solvers: Abaqus, OptiStruct, nCode, ANSYS
• Experience in one or more of the following FEA pre/post processors: HyperMesh, SimLab, ANSA, ANSYS
• Scripting or programming experience in Python (numpy, pandas, scipy, pytorch, keras)

• Strong problem‑solving skills and eagerness to learn in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment; communicates technical ideas clearly across cross‑functional teams

Even better, you may have…

• Experience with CAD tools (e.g., CATIA V6 / 3DEXPERIENCE)
• Experience with modeFrontier or similar DoE/optimization frameworks
• Proficiency in finite element methods extending to linear and non‑linear dynamic and modal analysis
• Proficiency in numerical methods, including gradient and non‑gradient‑based optimization and sensitivity analysis
• Familiarity with AI‑assisted coding tools (e.g., Copilot) to accelerate engineering workflows
• Familiarity with automotive manufacturing methods (e.g. stampings, roll forming, extrusions, casting) and joining technologies (e.g. GMAW, SPR, RSW, adhesives)

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined.

What You’ll Receive in Return

As part of this exciting program, you'll enjoy a high level of involvement with an exceptional team of industry innovators and visionaries. You'll contribute in a meaningful way to our important, breakthrough work. And you'll develop the skills that will give you a significant edge in your future career pursuits. If you have what it takes to help us redefine the future of mobility, we'd love to have you join us.

Relocation & Commuter Stipend - If you live more than 50 miles from a local office, and are assigned to an eligible team, Ford will extend a $5,000 pre‑tax stipend to help support your commute costs, which costs you agree otherwise would be borne by you personally. If you are eligible for a stipend, you may spend the stipend at your own discretion.

This position is a salary grade 4.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

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