Substrate Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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In this position...
Ford Motor Company is seeking an innovative and detail-oriented Diesel Catalyst Development Engineer/Scientist to advance the development of next-generation diesel emissions control catalyst technologies. This role involves generating critical experimental data on diesel catalyst devices-Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), Ammonia Slip Catalysts (ASC), and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF)-using flow reactor systems and advanced analytical instrumentation. The successful candidate will apply deep knowledge of catalyst kinetics, mass transfer, and durability/aging mechanisms to support catalyst design, modeling, and validation efforts, contributing directly to Ford's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable mobility.
Responsibilities
What you'll do...
Design, execute, and analyze bench-scale flow reactor experiments on small wash coated monolithic core samples (DOC, SCR, ASC, DPF) to generate high-quality catalyst performance data.
Operate and maintain flow reactor systems coupled with analytical instrumentation such as FTIR for gas-phase species quantification and reaction analysis.
Apply fundamental catalyst kinetics and mass transfer principles to interpret reactor data and identify kinetic- vs. diffusion-limited performance regimes.
Generate and structure experimental data to support kinetic parameter extraction and development of 1D catalyst/monolith performance models; experience developing 1D models independently is a strong plus.
Design and execute catalyst aging protocols (thermal, hydrothermal, chemical/poisoning) to evaluate durability and robustness under real-world conditions.
Perform or coordinate chemical/physical characterization of fresh and aged catalyst samples, including BET, SEM, Chemisorption, XRF, and XRD, to identify aging mechanisms and correlate with performance loss.
Apply Global Technology Development System (GTDS) methodology and structured problem-solving tools, including FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and 8D, to proactively identify catalyst failure modes and resolve technical issues.
Support DVP&R (Design Verification Plan and Report) development to ensure testing aligns with durability and performance requirements.
Facilitate technical dialogue and collaborative problem-solving with catalyst and substrate suppliers, including reviewing formulation/design changes, discussing performance and durability data, and driving joint resolution of technical issues.
Collaborate cross-functionally with modeling, catalyst design, systems engineering, and quality teams to translate experimental findings into actionable design and calibration decisions.
Deep understanding of global emissions regulatory requirements as they relate to catalyst performance and durability targets.
Document methodologies, results, and conclusions in technical reports and present findings to cross-functional and leadership audiences.
Stay abreast of emerging catalyst materials, characterization techniques, and modeling approaches to maintain Ford's leadership in clean propulsion systems.
Qualifications
You'll have...
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant industry or research experience in catalysis, emissions control, or related technical fields.
Hands-on experience with flow reactor systems and gas analysis techniques (FTIR, MS, GC, or similar).
Solid understanding of heterogeneous catalysis, reaction kinetics, and mass transfer principles.
Experience with catalyst characterization techniques (BET, SEM, XRD, XRF, chemisorption).
Working knowledge of structured problem-solving and quality methodologies (FMEA, 8D, or equivalent root-cause analysis tools).
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and facilitate technical discussions with external catalyst and substrate suppliers.
Even better, you may have...
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, or a related field (may be considered in lieu of a portion of the required experience).
In-depth knowledge of internal combustion engine emissions and aftertreatment technologies (e.g., DOC, SCR, ASC, and DPF).
Experience developing or applying 1D reactor/catalyst models (e.g., in MATLAB, Fortran, Python, or commercial modeling software).
Background in catalyst aging mechanisms and durability testing.
Direct experience working within a formal product/technology development process (GTDS or similar stage-gate system).
Certification or formal training in FMEA facilitation, 8D leadership, Six Sigma, or related quality methodologies.
Strong understanding of global emissions regulations for Diesel engines.
Existing relationships or prior direct experience working with catalyst/substrate supplier technical teams.
Track record of external publications or patents in the field of emissions control/catalysis.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
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 7 and ranges from $99,600-$166,600.
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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