Emissions Calibration Engineer

Ford · Auto · Dearborn, MI +1 · Research and Advance Engineering

This role focuses on developing and validating emission calibration strategies for gasoline and hybrid vehicles to meet stringent regulatory targets. It involves a blend of virtual simulation, hands-on testing on dynamometers and vehicles, and coordination of various sub-systems. The engineer will use industry-standard calibration tools and data-driven approaches to balance emissions, fuel economy, performance, and drivability.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead development testing across engine dynamometers, powertrain/hub dynamometers, and physical vehicles.
  2. Conduct sensitivity studies to optimize the balance between emissions compliance, fuel economy, performance, and drivability.
  3. Synchronize the calibration of various sub-systems—including the engine, aftertreatment (TWC/GPF), transmission, and electric generator/motors—to ensure seamless integration and achievement of emissions targets.
  4. Utilize Design of Experiments (DOE) methods to efficiently map complex multi-variable calibration spaces and define robust operating strategies.
  5. Lead the setup and commissioning of prototype systems in both dyno and vehicle environments.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 5+ years of experience in powertrain calibration, with a specific focus on gasoline emissions and/or electrified propulsion systems (HEV/PHEV).
  • Proficiency with industry-standard calibration tools (e.g., ATI Vision, ETAS INCA, or Vector CANape) and CAN communication protocols.
  • Deep understanding of global emissions regulatory requirements and test procedures, specifically SULEV20, SULEV15, and SULEV10 standards.
  • Demonstrated mechanical and electrical (wiring) skills for prototype vehicle/bench setup and hardware-in-the-loop troubleshooting.
  • Experience with data acquisition (DAQ) systems and various testing environments, including engine/chassis dynamometers.
  • Experience in data engineering and statistical validation, with a proven track record of analyzing large-scale datasets to identify statistically significant trends

Nice to have

  • Master’s or PhD in Engineering.
  • Expertise design and validation of exhaust aftertreatment.
  • In-depth understanding of HEV/PHEV powertrain architectures and their specific impact on emissions (e.g., cold-start management, thermal transients).
  • Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and advanced DOE optimization software (e.g., AVL ASCMO, Model-Based Calibration Toolbox).
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical reviews and mentor junior calibration engineers.

What the JD emphasized

  • 5+ years of experience in powertrain calibration, with a specific focus on gasoline emissions and/or electrified propulsion systems (HEV/PHEV).
  • Deep understanding of global emissions regulatory requirements and test procedures, specifically SULEV20, SULEV15, and SULEV10 standards.
  • Demonstrated mechanical and electrical (wiring) skills for prototype vehicle/bench setup and hardware-in-the-loop troubleshooting.
  • Experience in data engineering and statistical validation, with a proven track record of analyzing large-scale datasets to identify statistically significant trends
Read full job description

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

In this position...

The Advanced Emissions Calibration Engineer is responsible for developing and demonstrating system-level capabilities to achieve future emissions targets (SULEV20, SULEV15, and SULEV10) for gasoline-powered Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), Hybrid (HEV), and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) applications. This role bridges the gap between virtual simulation and physical validation, leading the development of calibration strategies that balance stringent regulatory compliance with core vehicle attributes like fuel economy and drivability. The ideal candidate combines high-level analytical strategy with a "hands-on" approach to commissioning and debugging complex prototype propulsion systems.

What you'll do...

System Development & Validation: Lead development testing across engine dynamometers, powertrain/hub dynamometers, and physical vehicles. Utilize virtual vehicle analytical simulations to front-load calibration development and demonstrate system capability.

Attribute Trade-off Management: Conduct sensitivity studies to optimize the balance between emissions compliance, fuel economy, performance, and drivability. Establish preferred values for control variables using a data-driven approach.

Sub-System Coordination: Synchronize the calibration of various sub-systems—including the engine, aftertreatment (TWC/GPF), transmission, and electric generator/motors—to ensure seamless integration and achievement of emissions targets.

Experimental Design: Utilize Design of Experiments (DOE) methods to efficiently map complex multi-variable calibration spaces and define robust operating strategies.

Prototype Commissioning: Lead the setup and commissioning of prototype systems in both dyno and vehicle environments. Perform system-level debugging and troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, and software issues.

Technical Reporting: Document and present calibration progress, trade-off results, and regulatory compliance status to program leadership and cross-functional teams.

You'll have...

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related technical field.

5+ years of experience in powertrain calibration, with a specific focus on gasoline emissions and/or electrified propulsion systems (HEV/PHEV).

Proficiency with industry-standard calibration tools (e.g., ATI Vision, ETAS INCA, or Vector CANape) and CAN communication protocols.

Deep understanding of global emissions regulatory requirements and test procedures, specifically SULEV20, SULEV15, and SULEV10 standards.

Demonstrated mechanical and electrical (wiring) skills for prototype vehicle/bench setup and hardware-in-the-loop troubleshooting.

Experience with data acquisition (DAQ) systems and various testing environments, including engine/chassis dynamometers.

Experience in data engineering and statistical validation, with a proven track record of analyzing large-scale datasets to identify statistically significant trends

Even better, you may have...

Master’s or PhD in Engineering.

Expertise design and validation of exhaust aftertreatment.

In-depth understanding of HEV/PHEV powertrain architectures and their specific impact on emissions (e.g., cold-start management, thermal transients).

Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and advanced DOE optimization software (e.g., AVL ASCMO, Model-Based Calibration Toolbox).

Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical reviews and mentor junior calibration engineers.

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 salary grade 8 and ranges from $115,000-$192,900.

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

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

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.

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. #LI-Hybrid

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