Powertrain Controls Simulation Model Developer Plant Modeling

We made history and now we work to transform the future for our customers our communities and our families. Youll 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.

The Core Modeling and Simulation team supports powertrain controls developers and calibrators with an ecosystem of advanced simulation tools used to validate modern control systems. The Core Modeling and Simulation Team is responsible for creating maintaining and scaling the virtual vehicle ecosystem. Their primary mission is to eliminate the dependency on physical prototypesduring the software development cycle. This is not a traditional mechanical engineering team nor is it a pure software team. It is a hybrid group of multi-disciplinary experts. The team operates like a modern software development house applying software engineering best practices to physical modeling. Joining this team means having a massive lever of influence; your models will directly impact the development and safety of almost every vehicle in the Ford lineup.

Our Mission:We build Fords digital twins to eliminate dependency on physical prototypes during the software development cycle. We create the virtual playground where embedded software controls and calibration teams can safely test break and perfect vehicle code.

Our Culture & Dynamics:We are a hybrid group of multi-disciplinary expertscombining physical systems modeling (thermodynamics electromagnetics fluid dynamics) with modern software engineering. We pride ourselves on a culture of mentorship collaborative code reviews and cross-functional learning.

Our Technical Ecosystem:We operate like a modern software development house. We manage our codebase using Git track our work in Jira and utilize an automated Continuous Integration (CI) pipeline to run unit system and full-vehicle validation maneuvers.

Our Reach:We are a highly visible hub within Ford collaborating daily with Physical Component Design Teams Embedded Controls Teams and Calibration/ADAS teams to distribute our plant models as Functional Mock-up Units (FMUs).

In this role you will focus on Plant Modeling; building the high-fidelity virtual representations of the physical vehicle hardware (the plant such as engines electrical networks and transmissions) that we use to test and validate our control software. By creating these virtual environments you enable our teams to run comprehensive Model-in-the-Loop (MIL) Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing scenarios long before physical prototypes are built.

What youll do...

• Architect & Design Plant Models: Define system architectures subsystem interfaces and component models in Simulink and Simscape. Ensure models are detailed enough to validate control systems but fast enough to run in real-time (or faster) on HIL and SIL simulators.

• Lead Whitespace Projects: Own the end-to-end development integration and validation of our new Simscape-based diesel engine and electrical system models.

• Develop Parameterization Strategies: Establish strategies for populating and tuning plant models using data sourced from physical component testing dyno runs and vehicle calibration activities.

• Integrate with Simulation Infrastructure:Design robust model interfaces paying special attention to virtual sensors and actuators to ensure seamless integration with our automated MIL/SIL/HIL testing processes.

• Validate & Automate:Apply an iterative development approach. Use our automated Continuous Integration (CI) pipeline to run unit system and full-vehicle validation maneuvers comparing simulation results against physical vehicle data.

• Collaborate Cross-Functionally:Partner with a deeply experienced team of modelers controls engineers and ADAS teams. Build an internal network of Ford system experts to align simulation capabilities with future vehicle product cycles.

• Apply your knowledge and experience with automotive systems to develop models which are appropriately detailed yet fast enough to support validation of ECU control systems in real-time or faster.

Youll have...

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Systems Engineering or a related technical field.
• 3 years of experience designing building and validating simulation models of automotive powertrain or vehicle systems.
• 3 years of hands-on experience using MATLAB Simulink and Simscape.

Even better you may have...

• Education:M.S. in Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering or a related technical field.
  HIL/SIL Expertise: Direct experience testing and validating ECU control strategies in Model-in-the-Loop (MIL) Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments.
• Software Tools & Automation:
  • Experience with scripting languages (Python MATLAB m-scripting) to automate simulation execution and data analysis.
  • Familiarity with Agile workflows and project management tools like Jira.
  • Experience with code-base version control systems like Git.
• Ecosystem Integration:Experience developing models within an established software ecosystem adhering to strict interface standards (e.g. using S-functions reference models variant subsystems or Functional Mock-up Units/FMUs).
• Modern Development Practices:Experience leveraging AI-assisted engineering tools (such as GitHub Copilot and Model Context Protocol/MCP extensions) to accelerate model development debugging and testing.

You may not check every box or your experience may look a little different from what weve 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 builderor 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 Years Day
Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is a salary grade 6-8 and ranges from $85400-$192900.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidates 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:

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 the United States if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability please call 1-.

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. #LI-Hybrid

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