Research Software Loop; SIL Supervisor

Research Software in the Loop (SIL) Supervisor

Dearborn, MI, United States (Hybrid)

Ford’s Research and Advanced Engineering team takes new ideas from theory to reality. Every day, we develop advanced energy management and propulsion technologies, create cutting‑edge materials and manufacturing processes, and curate world‑class cabin experiences that redefine what it means to drive a Ford.

In this position...

We are seeking a highly capable and proactive leader to drive the development, integration, and optimization of next‑generation Software‑In‑the‑Loop (SIL) simulation for Ford’s future vehicle systems, such as Fuel Cell, EV, and Hybrid. You will lead the Research and Advanced Engineering SIL team to expand our simulation capability and dramatically increase the speed and efficiency of our SIL environment.

Your leadership will directly contribute to the future generation of simulation technology, enabling faster software development and testing with increased software robustness and reliability. You will collaborate closely with cross‑functional partners in Systems Engineering, Controls Engineering, and Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) to define requirements, drive technical direction, and deliver simulation technology for future programs.

This role will be responsible for leading the SIL team to develop groundbreaking simulation technologies with a 3‑to‑5‑year impact horizon. The successful candidate will lead Proof of Concept studies to demonstrate improvements, and interface with Product Development organizations for the transfer of next‑generation technology from R&A. A critical aspect of this role will be building and maintaining strong relationships with internal downstream customers to ensure research outcomes are effectively matured and transitioned for production implementation.

What you’ll do…

Strategic Leadership:

Lead the definition and development of SIL simulation for Ford’s next generation of electrified propulsion systems. Anticipate new simulation capability for emerging propulsion systems and deliver simulations to partners in advance of their needs.

Lead development of next‑generation SIL processes, methods, and tools to enable expansion of simulation usage and increased simulation speed and efficiency. Focus on what new capabilities we might add, as well as how we might integrate new simulation and automation processes into Ford’s development pipeline.

Customer Engagement & Technology Transition:

Maintain and establish strong relationships with key internal customers in Research and Product Development organizations. Understand their needs and facilitate the maturation and seamless transition of simulation technologies into their development pipelines.

Plan and execute Proof of Concept studies jointly with customers to evaluate new simulation and build / test automation processes. Work with internal customers to show improvements in their software development / test efficiency and accuracy.

Directly supervise, mentor, and inspire a talented team of simulation, software, and automation researchers. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and rapid prototyping, enabling the team to quickly develop proof‑of‑concepts to demonstrate feasibility and impact.

Lead team to effectively articulate and communicate technical improvements.

Manage projects, resources, and timelines efficiently to ensure research objectives are met.

Technical Excellence & Innovation:

Guide the team in conducting research in areas such as application of parallel computing to simulation, cloud‑based simulation, robustness and safety simulation, simulating the effects of physical and environmental noise factors, edge case detection, etc.

Lead team to develop plants and controllers for new electrified powertrain components – motors, batteries, drive lines, sensors, etc.

Keep pace with state of the art in industry and academia. Identify, evaluate, and invent simulation technology to keep Ford on the cutting edge.

You’ll have…

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

7+ years of…