Senior Systems Engineer

Ford Motor Company; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 68,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Tuition assistance

Paid time off and holidays

Employee resource groups

Job summary

Ford Motor Company seeks an experienced Systems Engineer to lead architecture development for complex vehicle systems. You will model with SysML, drive requirements cascade from vehicle to hardware/software, and manage cross‑functional trade-offs across design, manufacturing and purchasing.

The role emphasizes MBSE, formal problem solving, and rigorous V&V, with opportunities to apply advanced analytics and model-based methodologies to deliver safe, innovative mobility solutions.

Qualifications

• MBSE and SysML modeling using tools such as MagicDraw and 3DX.
• 7+ years in systems engineering, architecture development, or complex integration (auto/aero/defense).
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, LABVIEW and SIMSOLID for modeling and simulation.
• Knowledge of ISO 26262, V-model, and structured engineering processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead system architecture modeling using SysML and maintain comprehensive models.
• Define and cascade requirements from vehicle level to subsystems with traceability.
• Lead formal trade studies to optimize cost, weight, performance, and manufacturability.
• Develop mathematical models and perform MiL/HiL/RiL analyses.
• Drive MBFMA with P-diagrams, DFMEAs, and FTA; leverage AI tools to enhance analysis.
• Ensure V&V through Robustness Checklist and secure signoffs for reliability.
• Coordinate cross‑functional design and integration with design, manufacturing, electrical, and purchasing teams.

Skills

MBSE

SysML

Modeling

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional leadership

Problem solving

Statistical analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering

Master’s degree in Systems Engineering (optional)

Tools

SysML (MagicDraw)

MagicDraw

Dassault 3DX

Catia V6

MATLAB

Simulink

LABVIEW

SIMSOLID

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.

Product Development

Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more!

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.

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.

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.

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.

#VehicleHardwareEngineering

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).