We don't just make history -- we make the future. Ford put the world on wheels over a century ago, and our teams are re-inventing icons and creating groundbreaking connected and electric vehicles for the next century. We believe in serving our customers, our communities, and the world. If you do, too, come move the world and make the future with us.
Ford is a global company with shared ideals and a deep sense of family. From our earliest days as a pioneer of modern transportation, we have sought to make the world a better place – one that benefits lives, communities and the planet. We are here to provide the means for every person to move and pursue their dreams, serving as a bridge between personal freedom and the future of mobility. In that pursuit, our 186,000 employees around the world help to set the pace of innovation every day.
Develop and optimize finite element models for vehicle structures, evaluating stiffness, strength, and durability while identifying cost and mass-reduction opportunities.
Improve and automate CAE workflows, explore design spaces using optimization and deep-learning methods, and present findings in design reviews.
What you need
Applicants must be pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field and demonstrate knowledge of structural design, solid mechanics, and finite element methods.
Experience with FEA solvers and pre/post-processors, plus Python scripting or programming, is required; CAD, optimization frameworks, dynamic analysis, and automotive manufacturing knowledge are advantageous.
Education: a bachelor's degree or a postgraduate degree
Key skills
Finite Element AnalysisStructural DesignStructural OptimizationSolid MechanicsMechanics Of MaterialsLinear And Non-Linear Static AnalysisPython ProgrammingTopology OptimizationDesign Of ExperimentsDeep LearningNumerical MethodsSensitivity AnalysisCADTechnical CommunicationProblem-Solving
Keywords for your resumePro
The words this employer's screening is likely to look for.
This job lists resume keywords
The terms this posting uses, pulled out so you can mirror them in your resume. Jigup Pro members see the list on the job board.
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.
Join us for a 6-month Early Career Program and help build the future of
mobility. You'll work alongside top engineering, design, and software talent to
create groundbreaking EVs. You'll contribute to key technologies like advanced
structures, thermal management, hardware/software integration, and vehicle
architectures. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience and make a real
impact on the automotive industry.
The ADVEV Structures and CAE team owns the body-in-white (BIW) architecture of
Ford’s new EV platforms, from early-program studies through production-intent
design, analysis, and physical validation.
As an intern on the NVH and Durability team, you’ll be exposed to current and
future BIW structures design loops, engaging in every element of the workstream
including concept generation, detailed analysis, design for manufacture, and
CAD. You’ll support CAE development of cost and mass-down opportunities for key
structural parts and assemblies, tied to stiffness, strength, and durability
requirements. You’ll also explore new optimization workflows, adopt leading AI
methods, deploy custom tools, and automate analysis to explore broad design
domains and accelerate decision making.
Program: 6-months (shorter duration possible in some cases), starting as early
as spring 2027!
Work arrangement: Candidates may be required to be onsite four or more days per
week.
Stipend: $5,000 pre-tax relocation stipend for eligible candidates living 50+
miles away.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What you’ll do...
* Drive CAE and optimization of next-generation ADVEV products in one or more
of the following areas: Body, Exteriors, Closures, Seats.
* Develop finite element models from component and subsystem levels to evaluate
designs against stiffness, strength, and durability metrics using linear and
non-linear analysis techniques.
* Work with D&R engineers to execute cost and mass-down opportunities using
topology, topography, gauge, and shape optimization.
* Identify, develop, and implement new CAE techniques, analysis procedures, and
tools to improve model robustness, fidelity, and simulation execution speed.
* Automate analysis methods to support large-scale DoEs, create surrogate
models using deep learning techniques, and explore design domains using
response surface methods.
* Participate in CAE/design reviews to present findings and influence design
decisions.
QUALIFICATIONS
You'll have...
* Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
or a related field.
* Demonstrated ability in structures design and optimization, from hand calcs
to detailed analysis and execution.
* Strong first-principles understanding of solid mechanics and mechanics of
materials.
* Proficient in finite element methods, including linear and non-linear static
analysis
* Experience in one or more of the following FEA solvers: Abaqus, OptiStruct,
nCode, ANSYS
* Experience in one or more of the following FEA pre/post processors:
HyperMesh, SimLab, ANSA, ANSYS
* Scripting or programming experience in Python (numpy, pandas, scipy, pytorch,
keras)
* Strong problem-solving skills and eagerness to learn in a fast-paced,
collaborative environment; communicates technical ideas clearly across
cross-functional teams
Even better, you may have...
* Experience with CAD tools (e.g., CATIA V6 / 3DEXPERIENCE)
* Experience with modeFrontier or similar DoE/optimization frameworks
* Proficiency in finite element methods extending to linear and non-linear
dynamic and modal analysis
* Proficiency in numerical methods, including gradient and non-gradient-based
optimization and sensitivity analysis
* Familiarity with AI-assisted coding tools (e.g., Copilot) to accelerate
engineering workflows
* Familiarity with automotive manufacturing methods (e.g. stampings, roll
forming, extrusions, casting) and joining technologies (e.g. GMAW, SPR, RSW,
adhesives)
You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from
what we've outlined. If you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we
encourage you to apply!
What You'll Receive in Return
As part of this exciting program, you'll enjoy a high level of involvement with
an exceptional team of industry innovators and visionaries. You'll contribute in
a meaningful way to our important, breakthrough work. And you'll develop the
skills that will give you a significant edge in your future career pursuits. If
you have what it takes to help us redefine the future of mobility, we'd love to
have you join us.
Relocation & Commuter Stipend - If you live more than 50 miles from a local
office, and are assigned to an eligible team, Ford will extend a $5,000 pre-tax
stipend to help support your commute costs, which costs you agree otherwise
would be borne by you personally. If you are eligible for a stipend, you may
spend the stipend at your own discretion.
This position is a salary grade 4. For more information on salary and benefits,
click here: https://fordcareers.co/supplemental
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.
#LI-Hybrid #UEV #LI-NJ2