Vehicle Propulsion System Calibration Engineer

About the role

As an Advanced Propulsion System Calibration Engineer, you will develop state-of-the-art propulsion technologies to demonstrate key customer attributes like performance, drivability, and fuel economy for conventional Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), hybrid systems (HEV, PHEV, EREV), full electric propulsion systems (BEV), and fuel cell-powered applications. This role leverages virtual simulations and physical prototype platforms for the development of controls strategies and their calibrations to balance core vehicle attributes.

Responsibilities

• Lead calibration development activities across chassis/powertrain/hub dynamometers and on-road vehicle development.
• Synchronize the calibration of various sub-systems—including the engine, electric generator/motors, HV battery, and thermal systems—to ensure seamless integration and achievement of attribute targets.
• Utilize virtual vehicle analytical platforms to perform upfront calibration development and demonstrate system capability under various use cases.
• Apply Design of Experiments (DOE) methods to efficiently map complex multi-variable calibration spaces and define robust operating strategies.
• Perform design validation and robustness testing using virtual simulations and physical prototype platforms to ensure system performance remains robust under diverse operating conditions.
• Conduct sensitivity studies to optimize the balance between fuel economy, performance, drivability, and emissions.
• Establish preferred values for control strategy variables using a data-driven approach.
• Perform system-level debugging and troubleshooting of complex mechanical, electrical, and software issues to commission prototype vehicles.
• Document and present calibration progress, trade-off results, and regulatory compliance status to program leadership and cross-functional teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience).
• 5+ years of experience in powertrain calibration, with a specific focus on electrified propulsion systems (HEV/PHEV/EREV/BEV).
• 2+ years of experience with industry-standard calibration tools (e.g., ATI Vision, ETAS INCA, Vector tools) and CAN communication protocols.
• 2+ years of experience working with prototype vehicles/test benches and troubleshooting.
• 2+ years of experience with data acquisition (DAQ) systems and various testing environments, including engine/chassis dynamometers.
• 1+ year of experience in data engineering and statistical validation, with a proven track record of analyzing large-scale datasets to identify statistically significant trends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in an engineering field.
• Experience in fuel cell propulsion systems.
• Previous experience in Formula SAE or related programs.
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and advanced analytical tools.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical reviews and mentor junior calibration engineers.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up child care.
• Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and fertility treatments.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, including 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.

Pay

This position is a salary grade 6-8 and ranges from $85,400–$192,900. Final determination of salary grade will be based on the candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility, and competitive market value.

Schedule

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.