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Propulsion System Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Partner with propulsion chief engineers, sub-systems, vehicle and planning teams to balance tradeoffs between FE, performance, drivability/capability and thermal requirements to meet critical ...

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Propulsion System Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a propulsion system engineer?

To thrive as a Propulsion System Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like ANSYS or MATLAB, and knowledge of propulsion system regulations or certifications (such as those from SAE or FAA) are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and project management abilities set outstanding engineers apart in collaborative and high-stakes environments. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative design and operation of propulsion systems in complex aerospace projects.

What are some common challenges faced by propulsion system engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Propulsion System Engineers often encounter challenges related to integrating complex mechanical, electrical, and software components while ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency. These challenges can be addressed by collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, conducting rigorous simulation and testing, and staying current with industry standards and technological advancements. Clear communication and adaptability are key, as project requirements and technologies may evolve rapidly. Additionally, effective troubleshooting and problem-solving skills are essential for addressing unexpected issues during development and testing phases.

What is the difference between Propulsion System Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPropulsion System EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Propulsion EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test propulsion systems for aerospace or automotive industriesDesign, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems across various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily aerospace, defense, and space sectorsBroadly used in automotive, manufacturing, energy, and aerospace sectors

The Propulsion System Engineer specializes in designing and testing propulsion components, often within aerospace and defense industries, requiring specific knowledge of propulsion systems. Mechanical Engineers have a broader focus on mechanical systems across multiple industries. While both roles require strong engineering fundamentals, Propulsion System Engineers focus more on propulsion-specific design and testing, whereas Mechanical Engineers work on a wider range of mechanical systems.

What is a propulsion system engineer?

Propulsion System Engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain systems that propel vehicles, such as rockets, airplanes, or spacecraft. They work with various types of engines, including jet, rocket, and other advanced propulsion technologies, to ensure efficient and safe performance. Their responsibilities often include analyzing system requirements, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to optimize propulsion systems for specific missions or vehicles. They play a crucial role in the aerospace, automotive, and defense industries.
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Propulsion System Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Propulsion System Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Propulsion System Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Vehicle Propulsion System Calibration Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description


Advanced Propulsion System Calibration Engineer
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.
Ford's Electric Vehicles, Digital and Design (EVDD) team is charged with delivering the company's vision of a fully electric transportation future. EVDD is customer-obsessed, entrepreneurial, and data-driven and is dedicated to delivering industry-leading customer experience for electric vehicle buyers and owners. You'll join an agile team of doers pioneering our EV future by working collaboratively, staying focused on only what matters, and delivering excellence day in and day out. Join us to make positive change by helping build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.
In this position...
The Advanced Propulsion System Calibration Engineer is responsible for developing state-of-the-art propulsion technologies to demonstrate key customer attributes like performance, drivability and fuel economy for conventional Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), range of hybrids and full electric propulsion systems (HEV, PHEV, EREV and BEV) and Fuel cell powered applications. This role leverages virtual simulations and physical prototype platforms for the development of controls strategies and its calibrations to balance core vehicle attributes. The ideal candidate combines high-level understanding of various hybrid architectures, knowledge of analytical development tools along with hands-on experience working with complex prototype propulsion systems
Responsibilities
What you'll do...
  • Vehicle calibration development & validation: Lead calibration development activities across chassis/powertrain/hub dynamometers, and on-road vehicle development. Synchronize the calibration of various sub-systems-including the engine, electric generator/motors, HV battery and thermal systems to ensure seamless integration and achievement of attribute targets.
  • Virtual calibration development and optimization: Utilize virtual vehicle analytical platform to perform upfront calibration development and demonstrate system capability under various use cases. Utilize Design of Experiments (DOE) methods to efficiently map complex multi-variable calibration spaces and define robust operating strategies.
  • Design validation and robustness testing: Leverage virtual simulations and physical prototype platforms to perform DV testing against critical noise factors, ensuring system performance remains robust under diverse operating conditions.
  • Attribute trade-off management: Conduct sensitivity studies to optimize the balance between fuel economy, performance, drivability and emissions. Establish preferred values for control strategy variables using data-driven approach.
  • Prototype Commissioning: Perform system-level debugging and troubleshooting complex mechanical, electrical, and software issues to commission prototype vehicles

Technical Reporting: Document and present calibration progress, trade-off results, and regulatory compliance status to program leadership and cross-functional teams.
Qualifications
You'll have...
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related technical field. or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
  • 5+ years of experience in powertrain calibration, with a specific focus on electrified propulsion systems (HEV/PHEV/EREV/BEV).
  • 2+ years industry-standard calibration tools e.g., ATI Vision, ETAS INCA, Vector tools and CAN communication protocols.
  • 2+ years experience working with prototype vehicles/test bench and troubleshooting
  • 2+ years working with data acquisition (DAQ) systems and various testing environments, including engine/chassis dynamometers.
  • 1+ year of 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 Degree in engineering field
  • Experience in Fuel cell propulsion systems
  • Previous experience in Formula SAE or related experience
  • Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and advanced analytical tools
  • 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 grades 6-8 and ranges from $85,400-$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:
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
#LI-JS1

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About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982