Senior Engineer - AI/ML

Senior Engineer – AI-Accelerated CAE & Virtual Verification

In this position, you will be a collaborative leader who can bridge the gap between traditional analytical engineering and modern AI to create a more efficient, data-driven design loop.

We are seeking a highly innovative and experienced Senior Engineer – AI-Accelerated CAE to lead the transformation of our virtual engineering and design processes. In this dual-focus role, you will leverage deep expertise in traditional physics-based simulation (FEA/CFD/Multi-body dynamics) to ensure product robustness and reduce physical testing. Simultaneously, you will pioneer the integration of state-of-the-art AI technologies—including Geometric Deep Learning, Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs), and large-scale foundation models—to build surrogate models, accelerate the design loop, and drastically reduce computational wait times. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who takes full ownership of initiatives, thrives in a collaborative team environment, and possesses the communication skills necessary to bridge the gap between traditional engineering and modern data science.

Responsibilities

What you'll do...

AI-Driven Simulation & Acceleration:

• Geometric Deep Learning: Design and train advanced 3D machine learning models (e.g., Graph Neural Networks, 3D CNNs, Point Cloud processing) directly on CAD geometry and CAE mesh data to predict physical performance.
• Physics-AI Integration: Utilize advanced physics-informed machine learning frameworks to develop AI surrogate models that respect fundamental laws of physics while delivering near-real-time simulation results.
• Design Space Exploration: Integrate AI models into the generative design process, allowing design engineers to evaluate thousands of iterations instantly before committing to high-fidelity simulation.

Traditional CAE & High Performance Computing (HPC):

• High-Fidelity Simulation: Conduct complex, traditional CAE analyses (e.g., structural, thermal, crash, NVH, or aerodynamics) using industry-standard solvers (e.g., LS-DYNA, Abaqus, ANSYS, NASTRAN, OpenFOAM).
• HPC Utilization: Leverage and optimize workflows across High Performance Computing (HPC) clusters to efficiently scale both massive traditional simulations and the training of deep learning models.
• Virtual Verification: Drive the "Virtual-First" verification strategy by correlating CAE models with physical test data, improving simulation accuracy to confidently reduce physical prototyping time and costs.

Leadership, Ownership & Collaboration:

• Initiative Ownership: Take full end-to-end ownership of AI-CAE integration projects, from initial research and proof-of-concept to production deployment.
• Cross-Functional Teamwork: Act as a highly collaborative team player, seamlessly bridging the Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Data Science, and IT/HPC infrastructure teams.
• Communication: Translate and communicate highly complex AI and physics concepts clearly and effectively to both technical peers and non-technical leadership.
• Proactive Ownership: A self-starter mentality with a history of identifying process bottlenecks and successfully driving innovative solutions.
• Team Player: Strong interpersonal skills with a commitment to fostering an inclusive, knowledge-sharing environment within a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

What you'll have...

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of industry experience in traditional CAE, computational mechanics, or CFD.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience applying Deep Learning / Machine Learning to engineering or physics problems.

Technical Skills (CAE & HPC):

• Expertise with pre/post-processing tools (e.g., ANSA, HyperMesh, Meta) and industry-standard solvers.
• Strong background in Classical CAE methods like FE, Implicit and explicit methods, CFD, CHT, and Multi Body Dynamics
• Proven track record of correlating simulation data with physical test results to validate engineering designs.

Technical Skills (AI & Software):

• Proficiency in deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch
• Experience with Geometric Deep Learning and processing unstructured mesh/graph data.
• Familiarity with physics-informed machine learning frameworks, digital twin environments, and engineering foundation models.
• Strong programming skills in Python and C++; experience with GPU-accelerated computing is a strong plus.

Interpersonal & Professional Skills:

• Exceptional Communication: Proven ability to present complex technical presentations.

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 8 and ranges from $99,100-$166,200. 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.

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Job Info

• Job Identification 61737
• Job Category PD Operations and Quality
• Posting Date 04/15/2026, 07:31 PM
• Degree Level Master's Degree or equivalent
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 20901 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI, 48124, US (Hybrid)
• Preferred Degree Master of Engineering
• Remote No