Hardware & Mechanical Engineering
Ford Motor Company
About the Program
- 6-month Early Career Program
- Focus on Advanced EV Development (ADVEV)
- Opportunity to work on groundbreaking EVs and contribute to key technologies like advanced structures, thermal management, hardware/software integration, and vehicle architectures.
- A pipeline requisition for multiple openings across Hardware, Mechanical, and Thermal Engineering teams.
- Assignments confirmed during the selection process.
- Program duration: 6 months (shorter duration possible).
- Start Date: As early as Spring 2027.
- Work Arrangement: Candidates may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.
- Locations: Long Beach CA, Palo Alto CA, or Dearborn MI.
Roles This Posting May Include
- Interior & Exterior Systems
- Closures & Mechanisms
- Dimensional Engineering
- Electrical Distribution Systems (EDS)
- Thermal Systems (Modeling, Test, Firmware)
- Design Concept Engineering (DCE)
Key Responsibilities
Depending on your team, you may:
- Design, analyze, build, and test parts at the component, subsystem, and full-vehicle level.
- Develop 3D geometry and packaging concepts using CAD software.
- Perform tolerance analysis, FEA, CFD, or 1D physical system modeling.
- Build rapid prototypes, instrument test setups (e.g., DAQ, thermocouples), and execute lab or bench testing.
- Support integration of mechanical hardware with embedded software, electrical distribution, and thermal physics.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (design studio, manufacturing, quality, purchasing) to ensure assembly feasibility and serviceability.
- Analyze test, dimensional, or simulation data and present findings to drive engineering decisions.
Requirements & Tech Stack
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Industrial, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
- Foundational understanding of engineering concepts (mechanical, electrical, fluids, or thermal).
- Willingness to apply concepts to practical problems.
- Analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.
- Availability to dedicate full-time hours for the full 6-month program.
- Must be able to work from the Long Beach, CA campus.
Even Better, You May Have
- Design & Simulation: Experience with 3D CAD (CATIA, 3DX, NX, SolidWorks), CAE software, FEA, or GT-SUITE.
- Dimensional & Quality: Understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5), tolerance stack-up analysis, statistical methods, or measurement data analysis.
- Materials & Manufacturing: Knowledge of polymers, metals, composites, injection molding, stamping, casting, or surface finishes.
- Testing & Prototyping: Hands-on experience building test fixtures, rapid prototyping, electronics bench instrumentation, or environmental testing.
- Thermodynamics & Fluids: Knowledge of HVAC, psychrometrics, heat exchangers, two-phase flow, or liquid-cooling fundamentals.
- Mechatronics & Systems: Experience with mechanism kinematics (e.g., 4-bar linkages), electromechanical integration, or wiring harness architecture.
- Data & Coding: Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, VBA, data visualization, or experience reading/debugging embedded C/C++.
- Automotive Tech: Familiarity with CAN/LIN protocols, Vector tools, or EV architectures.
- Student-team or project experience, such as Formula SAE, Baja, robotics, or design-build project teams.
What You'll Receive
- High level of involvement with an exceptional team.
- Opportunity to contribute to important, breakthrough work.
- Develop skills for future career pursuits.
- Relocation & Commuter Stipend: $5,000 pre-tax stipend for eligible candidates living 50+ miles away to help support commute costs.
- This position is a salary grade 4.
Important Notes
- Visa sponsorship is not available.
- Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.