CAE Engineer – Engine Mechanical Systems

Dearborn, MIFull-time$86.6k–$166kPosted Jul 23, 2026

In this position...

Provide leadership in advancing Ford’s ICE, Propulsion & Thermal Systems Engineering (IPTSE) capabilities and methodologies to enable highly effective and state-of-the-art Multi-Body Dynamics CAE analyses.  Ideal candidate will be experienced in the area of internal combustion engines, associated components and systems.
Perform Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) analyses of internal combustion engines mechanical system dynamics (i.e., Valvetrain, Cranktrain, Cam Drive, Oil Pump, Vacuum Pump, Balancers, etc.). Provide design directions to the Engine Components and Engine Programs teams. Provide dynamic loads and boundary conditions to support Engine Durability CAE and NVH CAE efforts. Develop, validate and apply new dynamics CAE methodologies to support Engine design process in the concept, prototype and production stages.  Collaborate with Components and Programs team engineers to resolve engine related issues. Support IPTSE objective in achieving DV Efficiency targets.

What you'll do...

Plan and conduct FEA/CAE analyses of engine components/systems with respect to the multi-body dynamics, structural durability and NVH

Provide direction and recommendations for the design of engine components/systems based on results obtained from FEA/CAE/Optimization analyses

Apply analytical reliability & robustness methodologies to optimize engine components and systems

Apply engineering principles & analytical techniques to establish and continuously improve engine components CAE guideline/procedures

Collaborate with components/systems engineers to provide design direction and confirmation to achieve targets for performance, quality, function, weight and cost

Support expedited concern resolution with cross functional teams including the design, manufacturing, quality, etc.

Collaborate with components/system engineers to resolve engine components/systems issues for both prototype and production programs

Experience with CATIA, AVL Excite, Realis Valdyn, MatLab, ISight, Altair Suite (Hypermesh, Hyperview, Optistruct) and MS Office


 

You'll have...

• Master Degree in Automotive Engineering, or related field
• 2 + years of hands-on experience with engine components/systems design and analysis
• Proficiency in CAE tools such as AVL Excite, Valdyn, Hypermesh, Optistruct, or similar FEA software
• 2+ years of direct experience with AVL Excite, Realis Valdyn, or similar engine dynamics simulation tools
• Ability to translate analytical results into actionable design recommendations
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to resolve technical issues
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to support both prototype and production program timelines
• Strong understanding of engineering principles applied to reliability, robustness, and optimization methodologies
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) for reporting and communication

Even better, you may have…

• PhD preferred.
• Familiarity with ISight or similar optimization/DOE software
• CAD proficiency for design integration and geometry review preferably CATIA
• Experience developing or improving CAE guidelines/procedures/best practices
• Background in automotive powertrain or engine-specific development programs
• Six Sigma, DFSS, or other robustness/reliability certification
• Experience working in a global, cross-site engineering environment

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!

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 7 and ranges from $86,600-$144,900., 

This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $99,100-$166,200.     

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.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR

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.

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. 

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