Technical Expert - Diesel Engine Combustion

Ford · Auto · Dearborn, MI +1 · PD Operations and Quality

Seeking an expert in Diesel Combustion to develop and refine compression-ignition engines, focusing on thermal efficiency, emissions compliance, and power density. Responsibilities include creating core development documents, leading technical reviews, providing product planning guidance, problem-solving for launch/recall/quality issues, and interfacing with various engineering teams. Requires a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and 10+ years of engine design experience, with 6+ years specifically in Diesel Combustion systems.

What you'd actually do

  1. Responsible (owner) for creation and maintenance of Core Development documents, diesel combustion workbooks, SDS, and test procedures.
  2. Leads Technical Reviews:
  3. Provide product planning and design guidance to meet corporate objectives for CO2, NOx, and Particulate Matter (PM) targets.
  4. Go-To for Problem Solving – Launch, Recall, Quality / Field Issues (e.g., oil dilution, cold startability, and combustion-related NVH).
  5. Key interface with engine calibration, vehicle teams, test facilities, hardware integration, and Aftertreatment Integration teams.

Skills

Required

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
  • 10+ years of experience in engine design and development
  • 6+ years of specific experience working on Diesel Combustion systems
  • Demonstrated expert level in pertinent Technical Maturity competencies
  • Demonstrated technical expertise in the area of compression-ignition systems
  • Demonstrated technical expertise in high-pressure common rail fuel systems
  • Demonstrated technical expertise in engine dynamometer testing
  • Deep understanding of the trade-offs between NOx, Particulate Matter, and Fuel Consumption
  • Working knowledge of applicable Verification, Quality, Manufacturing, and Assembly methods
  • Working knowledge of interfacing subsystems (Turbocharging/VGT, EGR, and Aftertreatment) to enable system optimization

Nice to have

  • Master's in mechanical engineering or a related field
  • Expertise in cylinder pressure analysis and combustion heat release rate modeling
  • Knowledge of diesel engine instrumentation methods (e.g., combustion pressure measurement, soot sensors)
  • Data processing expertise (MATLAB, CONCERTO, or similar tools)
  • Working knowledge of diesel engine calibration methods and ECU strategy
  • Experience with advanced emissions control systems (DOC, DPF, SCR)

What the JD emphasized

  • An evidence book is required for TE Candidates pending a successful interview.
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.

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...**Engine Performance Development (EPD) is responsible for verifying the engine attributes related to combustion, mechanical function, and durability. In this department, we use engine dynamometers to test and validate these attributes. Our work includes optimization of diesel combustion strategies (including injection timing, rail pressure, and air-path management, etc.) to improve fuel economy and performance, validating engine durability through rigorous cycle-based testing, and establishing advertised power and torque for regulatory agencies and marketing.

We seek an expert in Diesel Combustion to help us develop and refine our current and future compression-ignition engines. This is an opportunity to shape the future of diesel technology, focusing on thermal efficiency, emissions compliance, and power density.

  • An evidence book is required for TE Candidates pending a successful interview. The evidence book should be shared with the Hiring Manager after the interview.

What you'll do...

  • Responsible (owner) for creation and maintenance of Core Development documents, diesel combustion workbooks, SDS, and test procedures.

  • Leads Technical Reviews:

    • Data Reviews (Leading a team of engineers through data analysis and interpretation).
    • Technical Design Reviews (e.g. piston bowl geometry, fuel injector spray patterns, and EGR system integration, etc.).

  • Provide product planning and design guidance to meet corporate objectives for CO2, NOx, and Particulate Matter (PM) targets.

  • Integral to Signoff of combustion attributes

  • Go-To for Problem Solving – Launch, Recall, Quality / Field Issues (e.g., oil dilution, cold startability, and combustion-related NVH).

  • Coach, Mentor, and Train the next generation of combustion engineers.

  • Key interface with engine calibration, vehicle teams, test facilities, hardware integration, and Aftertreatment Integration teams.

  • Review and approve final SAE and Homologation documents and lead chief approval and sign-off. Upload and maintain final chief-signed documents into data depository.

  • Represent Ford in external technical forums (SAE, USCAR, etc.) specifically regarding diesel technology and emissions legislation.

  • Establish diesel combustion workbook attribute targets for fuel economy, performance, and "fuel file" for VEME vehicle-level attributes and powerpack/EPD development engineers.

  • Keep abreast of emerging diesel technologies (e.g., high-peak cylinder pressure capabilities, advanced SCR integration, and renewable fuels) and support development processes, including CFD and CAE methods.

You'll have...

Minimum Requirements:

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
  • 10+ years of experience in engine design and development with 6+ years of specific experience working on Diesel Combustion systems.
  • Demonstrated expert level in pertinent Technical Maturity competencies.
  • Demonstrated technical expertise in the area of compression-ignition systems, high-pressure common rail fuel systems, and engine dynamometer testing.
  • Deep understanding of the trade-offs between NOx, Particulate Matter, and Fuel Consumption.
  • Working knowledge of applicable Verification, Quality, Manufacturing, and Assembly methods.
  • Working knowledge of interfacing subsystems (Turbocharging/VGT, EGR, and Aftertreatment) to enable system optimization.

Even better, if you have …

Preferred

  • Master's in mechanical engineering or a related field
  • Expertise in cylinder pressure analysis and combustion heat release rate modeling.
  • Knowledge of diesel engine instrumentation methods (e.g., combustion pressure measurement, soot sensors).
  • Data processing expertise (MATLAB, CONCERTO, or similar tools).
  • Working knowledge of diesel engine calibration methods and ECU strategy.
  • Experience with advanced emissions control systems (DOC, DPF, SCR).

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 leadership level 6 and ranges from $115,500-$218,100.

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/LL6

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.

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