Student Worker Program - Chassis Controls Integration Engineer

JOB DESCRIPTION

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 our Electric Vehicle Digital Design (EVDD) team for a 6-month Student Worker Program and help build the future of mobility! Immerse yourself in Ford's center of innovation and growth, working alongside top engineering, design, and software talent to create groundbreaking EVs and contribute to key technologies like batteries, charging, and recycling. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience and make a real impact on the automotive industry.

As a Chassis Controls Integration Student Worker, you will be responsible for the testing, validation, and analysis of safety critical chassis controls software (stability and traction control, ABS, etc) as well as other electronic chassis systems including steering and braking. Your work will ensure these systems meet performance, safety, and quality standards. This role involves hands-on testing, data acquisition, and supporting both vehicle and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing environments.

This is a 6 month program

RESPONSIBILITIES

What you'll be able to do:

• Support firmware and electrical integration of chassis control systems into vehicle platforms.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of control algorithms for chassis systems.
• Work with vehicle dynamics, powertrain, and safety teams to ensure chassis systems integration aligns with overall vehicle performance goals.
• Support chassis control system calibration for optimal performance across various driving conditions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with test setups, including vehicle instrumentation and HIL systems.
• Design and execute test plans for chassis control systems, including both virtual simulations and real-world testing. Define test requirements, methods, and success criteria.
• Conduct vehicle testing, including ride and handling, performance tuning
• Travel to test locations to conduct track and road testing, as well as support prototype vehicle development.
• Support instrumentation of test vehicles with sensors and data acquisition systems to ensure accurate data collection on chassis control performance.
• Analyze test data and generate detailed reports, providing insights and recommendations for system improvements.
• Support setup, configuration, and maintenance of a Driver/Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) bench, including the integration of chassis control modules for simulation and testing.
• Conduct simulations to assess vehicle response and optimize vehicle dynamics, including parameter tuning for electric powertrain integration.
• Support testing activities by correlating simulation results with real-world test data and refining models based on test feedback.

QUALIFICATIONS

The minimum requirements we seek:

• B.S. or M.S in Automotive Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Embedded Systems
• Strong Software, Electrical and Embedded Systems Engineering fundamentals
• Hands-on experience with vehicle dynamics, chassis systems, and instrumentation for data collection and analysis.
• Familiarity with vehicle dynamics and testing methods, including ride and handling evaluations.
• Experience with Vehicle Network Protocols such as CAN, LIN & Automotive Ethernet
• Proficiency in using calibration tools and vehicle modeling software (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, CANalyzer, CANoe, CANape).
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities. Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross functional environment.
• Willingness to travel for testing and collaboration with other teams.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to drive test vehicles.
• Prior experience with physical vehicle testing and model correlation techniques.

Preferred Requirements:

• Formula SAE or equivalent experience
• Software scripting experience (Python or similar) preferred
• Experience with vehicle testing, racing and/or at limit driving
• Experience with HIL systems and vehicle simulation environments is highly desirable including simulation tools (e.g., dSPACE, National Instruments).
• Experience in chassis control systems (e.g., ABS, ESC, BTC).
• Experience of real-time control system conceptualization, implementation and development
• Knowledge of control theory and experience with controller development for vehicle dynamics applications.

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.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to permanently work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Ford Motor Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. 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.