Technical Expert, Aero CFD

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

Ford’s Research and Advanced Engineering team takes new ideas from theory to reality. Every day, we develop advanced energy management and propulsion technologies, create cutting-edge materials and manufacturing processes, and curate world-class cabin experiences that redefine what it means to drive a Ford.

The Vehicle Engineering Aerodynamics team is looking for a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Technical Specialist to continue our growth of fast, accurate and efficient computational tools. The ideal candidate would have a minimum of 10 years experience in automotive vehicle development or racing industry and worked in an aerodynamics environment showing strong delivery of tools and methods. A PhD is prefered, a Masters is required. Strong experience with Open Foam is prefered. Demonstrated leadership experience is preferable but does not have to have been a direct management position. 

Based in Dearborn, MI, the successful candidate will lead a small team of CFD experts and work as part of the program delivery and wind tunnel technical teams in conjuction with partners in Enterpirze IT and other global partners to develop and deliver the next generation CFD tools that Ford uses to design its next generation vehicles.    

In this position...

• Lead identification, development and program deployment of all new analytical tools and methods.
• Lead / direct efforts of Aero Core Team in its support of new tools / methods development and program deployment.
• Co-lead / co-direct aero database workflow development and implementation with the Aero Wind Tunnel TS and related groups.

What you'll do...

• Provide program support for CFD technical issues.
• Promote global communication through Peer Reviews, Aero Team Meetings, global aero leadership discussions, etc.
• Deliver documentation (CETP, Best Practices, Local Procedures, etc.)
• Act as the liaison for the global aero and CAA team to Ford’s HPC and IT/STAR team for matters of software and hardware.
• Support tool, technical and individual growth through one-on-one meetings with direct reports.
• Support technical exchanges and represent Ford Motor at industry seminars / conferences.
• Support / help develop University Research Projects.
• Develop budget / PO for contractors as required by current work.
• Interact with CFD related suppliers to continue to search for the best tools / solutions in the marketplace.

You'll have...

• MS in engineering required
• 10+ years experience in the application of CFD (automotive aerodynamics preferred) and a strong background in meshing, turbulence modeling, scripting and post-processing.

Understanding / ability to apply:

• Commercial CFD codes including PowerFLOW and CCM+
• Commercial meshing tools, including ANSA
• Commercial statistical tools, including ModeFrontier
• Tools for computational aero-acoustics during all stages of the process.

Additionally, you'll have…

• Demonstrated experience with open source CFD.
• Demonstrated experience in statistical methods with an emphasis on optimization techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in advanced AI / ML tools and techniques with a strong understanding of AI / ML implementation limitations and tool requirements.
• Strong coding capabilities (python, bash, Java, etc.) and knowledge / proven capability of implementing workflows onto HPC environment.
• Effective coaching and mentoring skills with a collaborative teamwork approach
  Strong leadership with excellent Ford OS behaviors.
• Ability to interface with global, cross-attribute teams including Thermal Systems, Brake Cooling, Wind Noise and Body Structures.

Even better, you may have...

• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience implementing advanced technologies from concept to production.
• Leadership skills with the ability to coordinate highly technical, diverse engineering groups utilizing Ford OS leadership behaviors with a focus on driving for results.
• PhD in engineering.

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 leadership level 6.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/LL6SP1

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.

Onsite work of up to three days per week may be required for candidates within commuting distance of a Ford hub location. #LI-Hybrid   #LI-CW1