Hardware & Mechanical Engineering - Early Career Program, Advanced EV

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?

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.

This is a pipeline requisition. Apply once and you'll be considered for multiple openings across our Hardware, Mechanical, and Thermal Engineering teams within our Advanced EV Development (ADVEV) organization. We'll match your skills and interests to the team and project that fit best.

Roles will be based in one of our three locations: Long Beach CA, Palo Alto CA or Dearborn MI 

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.

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)

(Specific team and project assignments are confirmed during the selection process.)

What You'll Do

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 in design studio, manufacturing, quality, and purchasing to ensure assembly feasibility and serviceability
• Analyze test, dimensional, or simulation data and present findings to drive engineering decisions 

What You'll Have

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Industrial, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
• Foundational understanding of engineering concepts (mechanical, electrical, fluids, or thermal) and a willingness to apply them 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

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.

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