Automotive STEM OPT Jobs in Kentucky

Overview

At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move.

• Job Type: Full time
• Work Type: Hybrid

Racing is where our story began.

In 1901, Henry Ford climbed into a car he built himself—"Sweepstakes"—and beat America's most famous driver. He wasn't a racer, but he had to win. He did. Ford Motor Company was born from that victory.

That fighting spirit lives on in Ford Racing today. We're the engineers, strategists, and competitors who bring Ford's track-tested edge into every vehicle we build. Every track, every stage, every proving ground—that's where we prove ourselves.

The result: one of the world's most iconic brands, legendary nameplates, and a team unmatched in the industry.

Our mantra: Race to win, engineer to lead.

If you're a competitor, innovator, or performance obsessive, Ford Racing is where you belong. Help us write the next chapter.

In this position...

This role is crucial in optimizing the aerodynamic performance of our racing vehicles, directly contributing to our success on the track. The Aerodynamics Engineer will leverage advanced computational tools and experimental methods to design, analyze, and refine vehicle shapes, ensuring maximum efficiency, downforce, and stability in competitive environments.

What you'll do...

• Conduct detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to analyze and optimize the aerodynamic characteristics of racing vehicles and components.
• Utilize Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create and modify aerodynamic surfaces and components for simulation and testing.
• Plan, execute, and analyze data from wind tunnel testing of scale models and full-scale vehicles to validate designs and gather critical performance insights.
• Develop innovative aerodynamic solutions to enhance vehicle speed, handling, and stability, always striving for a balance between downforce and drag.
• Collaborate closely with design, vehicle dynamics, and other engineering teams to integrate aerodynamic considerations into the overall vehicle development process.
• Interpret complex aerodynamic data, generate comprehensive reports, and present findings and recommendations to cross-functional teams and leadership.
• Research and implement new methodologies and technologies in aerodynamics to continuously improve development processes and vehicle performance.
• Ensure all aerodynamic developments comply with relevant motorsports regulations and technical specifications.

You'll have...

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or a related field (Masters preferred).
• Minimum of 2 years' experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software and analysis techniques.

Even better, you may have...

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Previous work experience in automotive or motorsports aerodynamics.
• Demonstrated experience with CAD software for design and modeling.
• Proficiency with GitHub Cli, Linux, and Python (pandas, Matplotlib, reqwest, venv).
• Practical experience in wind tunnel testing, including test planning, execution, and data analysis.
• A strong passion for motorsports and a deep understanding of vehicle performance dynamics.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a creative approach to engineering challenges.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, with a proven capacity to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• A relentless drive to innovate and achieve peak performance.
• The ability to think critically and analytically to solve complex aerodynamic problems.
• A collaborative spirit and the capacity to contribute effectively within a high-performance team.
• Adaptability and resilience in a rapidly evolving competitive landscape.
• Trackside testing experience.

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 5 - 8 and ranges from $65,100 - $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.

Visa sponsorship is 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.