In this position...
The Pre-Program Architecture Engineer defines, designs, and integrates vehicle propulsion systems (Internal Combustion, hybrid, Electric Vehicle). The Pre-program engineer translates vehicle performance targets into component requirements, leads trade-off and feasibility studies, and manages system architecture development all while collaborating with cross-functional teammates and driving innovation in efficiency, performance, and cost.
The automotive industry is quickly moving towards a greater number of new powertrains to meet customer and market demands, many of which are new Battery Electric and Hybrid Powered Vehicle programs. With this shift, there is an expanding need for development of new and unique powertrain architectures. Your work will span from initial product concept development to full-scale production implementation.
At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow’s transportation.
Ford Product Development is utilizing Design Thinking & User Experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that will delight our customers. Our employees are laser-focused on bringing innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. From autonomy and electrification, to smart mobility technologies, our Product Development teams around the world are working together with excitement to make smart vehicles for a smart world.
You'll have...
Minimum
- BS in Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering or a related field required
- 7+ years of transmission design, electrical powertrain development, or similar automotive role with proficiency working in an English-language environment
- 5+ years of CAD experience. Proficiency in using CATIA V5/V6 or similar (e.g. 3DX, NX) to effectively create and manage robust, parametric and associative build-to-print parts.
5+ years of experience using Microsoft Office tools
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Even better, you may have...
Preferred
- Master’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering or similar post-graduate degree in automotive product development.
- CAE model development experience and proficiency including: preprocessing and meshing (Simlab or Hypermesh preferred), finite element stress strain analysis (Abaqus preferred) and/or computational fluid dynamics modeling fluid flows and pressures (*CCM preferred).
- Versed in UML and SysML modeling languages.
- Basic software development experience. Python or Groovy preferred.
- Model-Based System Engineering development experience and proficiency. MagicDraw/3DX toolkit preferred.
- Experienced in analyzing a descriptive model to assist in complex decision making preferred
- Expertise in systems engineering principles and methods including requirement generation, P-diagrams, design failure mode and effects analysis, functional safety, interface engineering, and failure mode avoidance.
- History of delivery of balanced Quality/Cost/Weight/Function/Timing attributes for components or systems.
- Highly motivated to be agile, learn new things, adopt new processes, and adapt to an ever-changing product landscape.
- History of leading large diverse groups to closing engineering issues while balancing every project stakeholder’s needs.
Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, electric motors, battery and inverter systems, and traditional ICE components including step-ratio transmissions and internal combustion engines.
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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!
What you'll do...
- System Definition & Requirements : Define overall powertrain architecture, power flow, efficiency, and key component requirements (battery, motor, controller, transmission).
- System Performance & Integration : Lead system trade-off studies (cost, weight, function) and ensure seamless integration with vehicle systems.
- Technology & Innovation : Drive development of advanced propulsion solutions, stay updated on trends, and contribute to technology roadmaps.
- Cross-Functional Leadership : Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, thermal, software, supplier, and purchasing teams for robust system design and execution.
- CAD Design and Concepting : Utilize CAD systems to generate new designs yourself and create multiple proposals for production, packaging, test, etc.
- Modeling & Simulation : Leverage high-fidelity simulation tools to predict system behavior and validate designs.
- Testing & Validation : Plan, support, and execute system validation activities to ensure designs meet vehicle targets and industry standards.
- Drive engineering excellence : Implement Failure Mode Avoidance tools and methods to design robust, high-quality systems that will perform at launch and beyond.
- Documentation & Governance: Create and manage system-level technical documentation (architecture diagrams, functional specifications, etc.) and govern system-level requirements.
- Production Industrialization and Verification Support : support production industrialization and verification processes for various systems, sub-systems, and components.
- Product Management and Delivery : Work with purchasing and suppliers to deliver high quality component designs with best cost, weight, and function that meet prototype and production timelines.
- Program Management: Lead a team through Product Development Program gateways and milestones ensuring engineering deliverables including design, sourcing, prototype design and testing meet program timing.
Core Skills & Focus Areas:
- Strong ability to communicate verbally and in writing in English
- System Engineering Methodologies (Model-based Systems Engineering, FMA, Functional Safety)
- Strong ability to design in CAD for manufacturing and assembly
- MATLAB/Simulink, Finite Element Analysis, or Computational Fluid Dynamics
- Component Sizing & Selection (Motors, Batteries, Controllers, etc.)
- Decision Making Methods and Strategies
- Strong ability to learn, apply, and adapt to new ideas, concepts, and processes quickly.
