Research Engineer- Fuel Cell Stack Modeling

Responsibilities

Model Development & Optimization: Develop and improve physical and electrochemical models to predict fuel cell stack performance, degradation, and internal operational states.

Engineering Analysis: Conduct model-based engineering analysis to mitigate stack stress factors and improve lifetime durability, supporting key design decisions for fuel cell stacks, systems, and controls.

Advanced Simulation: Create advanced simulations incorporating the physics of automotive fuel cell stack operation to develop and verify current and future system designs.

Tool & Software Creation: Develop software toolsets for simulated fuel cell stacks to test against physical constraints and safe operational requirements.

Automation: Implement automation processes for the analysis and testing of modeled fuel cell stacks.

Scalability: Develop standardized processes, methods, and tools to make simulation models sharable and scalable across departments.

Data Validation: Analyze and review simulation test data using real-time and post-processing tools to ensure tight correlation between virtual models and physical testing.

Model Integration: Integrate fuel cell stack simulation models with other Ford models, including controls, larger powertrain systems, and full-vehicle simulations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with hardware test engineers to design physical experiments, parameterize physics-based models, and troubleshoot complex system-level issues.

Collaborate closely with other department teams, internal modelers, and external partners (such as universities and automotive suppliers).

Documentation & Reporting: Create and maintain comprehensive simulation documentation (including requirements, procedures, plans, and reports), document simulation code, and publish technical papers or reports.

Qualifications

B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

Two or more years of experience with open-loop and closed-loop fuel cell stack simulation.

Demonstrated foundational knowledge of fuel cell technology, electrochemistry principles, and fuel cell system operations (academic or industry-based).

Experience working with data from fuel cell testing (e.g. electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, etc.).

Three or more years of experience using MATLAB and Simulink for component and system modeling.

One or more years of experience formulating transfer functions and developing complex simulations.

Proven experience in troubleshooting and solving complex simulation model errors.

Demonstrated systems engineering mindset.

Strong oral, visual, and written communication skills with a proven ability to document processes and simulation designs clearly.

Benefits

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.

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.

Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, mental health, and unique wellness perks.

Financial and Retirement Programs: Robust retirement contributions, savings programs, and free personalized financial planning tools.

Additional Programs: Pet insurance, legal services, identity protection, and access to convenient health and wellness services.