Product Development Engineer - 3D CFD Engineer
Mentions vibe coding as a desirable skill and notes ML experience as a plus; not central but recognized as beneficial.
About the Role
Join Ford as a 3D CFD Product Development Engineer to perform high-fidelity multiphysics thermal/fluid simulations supporting engine and powertrain development. The role focuses on using commercial CFD tools to analyze engine airpath, combustion, cooling and related systems and to guide hardware and system design decisions.
Job Description
Role
Ford is seeking a 3D CFD Product Development Engineer to support engine and powertrain development through high-fidelity multiphysics simulations. The role will apply 3D thermal/fluid CFD at system, subsystem, and component levels for internal combustion engine (ICE) applications and collaborate with component and system engineers to provide technical guidance and virtual test signoff.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform 3D thermal/fluid CFD simulations using commercial CFD software for ICE systems, subsystems, and components.
- Analyze engine airpath, combustion, cooling, fuel, intake, exhaust, lubrication systems and related phenomena (e.g., EGR distribution, manifold performance, in-cylinder combustion, injector targeting, catalyst utilization, sensor response, tank sloshing).
- Develop and apply CFD methods to support product development and virtual test signoff.
- Work cross-functionally with component and system engineers and provide technical guidance.
Requirements
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- 2+ years experience in automotive ICE or vehicle CFD applications.
- 2+ years minimum experience in thermal/fluid CFD simulation; multiphysics modeling preferred.
- Proficient in using CONVERGE for engine combustion simulation and comfortable relating simulation results to physical dyno test data.
- Strong understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer and combustion.
- Strong communication, work planning and issue resolution skills; self-directed and resilient.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- Experience with additional analytical tools such as STAR-CCM+, Simerics, GT-SUITE, AMEsim.
- Proficiency in common computer languages (Java, Python, shell script, MATLAB).
- Vibe coding and machine learning (ML) experience noted as a plus.
Compensation & Logistics
- This is a full-time, hybrid position. Candidates within commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required onsite four or more days per week.
- Salary grade range: $63,480 - $162,120 (final determination based on skills and experience).
Benefits (high level)
- Medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage; paid parental leave and family care supports; family-building benefits.
- Tuition assistance; employee resource groups; vehicle discount program and management leases.
- Paid time off, paid holidays (including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day), and options to purchase additional vacation time.