Engr, VEME Aerodynamics

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?

Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more!

In this position... 

The Aerodynamics group is responsible for full vehicle aerodynamics development utilizing experimental and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods. This group has a career opportunity to join the team with the following responsibilities and seeks an individual with drive and excitement for aerodynamics to help deliver great products. 

What you'll do...

 LIFT TARGET DELIVERY:

• Assess Aerodynamic health of vehicle designs and develop and roadmap actions to achieve program targets. Interface with Design, Attribute, and Functional engineers to execute roadmap actions and resolve issues.  Perform vehicle level signoff of performance to targets.

  AERODYNAMIC DRAG AND LIFT PREDICTION:

• Utilize experimental and analytical methods to develop and predict aerodynamic performance of vehicles from concept to production verification.

  WIND TUNNEL TESTING:

• Conduct physical tests to determine aerodynamic drag and lift performance of studio themes and prototype / production vehicles and develop roadmap actions to achieve targets. Oversee construction of physical models as needed.

  CFD ANALYSIS:

• Build analytical models and perform analytical simulations to determine aerodynamic drag and lift performance of studio themes and develop recommendations for improvements that achieve targets. Proactively guide design, attribute and functional engineers to enable meeting aero targets.

  PREPARATION OF INTERNAL AND CUSTOMER STATUS REPORTS:

• Prepare data, reports and presentations to support program teams and wind tunnel teams

• Document lessons learned, support peer review and program review meetings

  METHODOLOGY:

• Develop and implement new methodologies and tools

• Train/support the attribute implementation team in the deployment of new tools

• Continue to investigate sophisticated experimental techniques to improve wind tunnel measurement capabilities

  WORK FLEXIBILITY:

• Ability to work flexible hours due to occasional nonstandard testing periods in wind tunnel

• Occasional travel to support offsite wind tunnel testing

You'll have...

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering.

• 3 years' experience in aerodynamic development (analytically or experimentally based)

• A strong understanding of fluid mechanics, road vehicle aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics.

• CAD cleanup for CFD and/or basic CAD design proficiency. 

• Self-directed, confident and resilient individual with excellent personal communication skills.

• Excellent work planning, issue resolution skills

  Even better, you may have...

• Master’s degree or higher in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

• 5 years plus experience in road vehicle wind tunnel testing, experimental fluids testing methods and/or Computational Fluid Dynamics

• Proficient in the application of wind tunnel experimental techniques.

• Proficient in the use of analytical tools including ANSA, ModeFrontier, Powerflow, CCM+, openFOAM, Statistics.

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