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Ford Motor Company

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Posted 2 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Hybrid
Palo Alto, CA, USA
65K-150K Annually
Mid level
Hybrid
Palo Alto, CA, USA
65K-150K Annually
Mid level
Lead the design and implementation of firmware for connected vehicle devices, ensuring performance, security, and system integration. Collaborate on module functions, connectivity protocols, diagnostics, and conduct testing for quality validation.
The summary above was generated by AI

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

Ford’s Electric Vehicles, Digital and Design (EVDD) team is charged with delivering the company’s vision of a fully electric transportation future. EVDD is customer-obsessed, entrepreneurial, and data-driven and is dedicated to delivering industry-leading customer experience for electric vehicle buyers and owners. You’ll join an agile team of doers pioneering our EV future by working collaboratively, staying focused on only what matters, and delivering excellence day in and day out. Join us to make positive change by helping build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.

Responsibilities

What you'll do…

  • Lead Firmware Development: Lead the design and implementation of application firmware for connected vehicle devices, focusing on optimizing performance and ensuring robust security. This includes architectural design, code implementation, and ongoing maintenance.
  • System Integration: Oversee the integration of various subsystems, including those provided by 3rd party collaborators and vendors, into the overall project. This involves close collaboration with external partners to review firmware specifications, provide design guidance, and ensure seamless interoperability.
  • Platform Development: Extend and enhance the existing platform BSP and device drivers to support the unique requirements of each modular device. This may include developing new drivers for sensors, actuators, communication interfaces, and other peripherals. Collaborate with the platform team to integrate critical components like secure bootloaders and device drivers.
  • Module Function Development:
  • Work with feature owners and domain leads to develop and maintain software for specific module functionalities (e.g., environmental control, power management, multimedia).
  • Create and maintain firmware for energy management systems, focusing on enhancing functionality and resolving issues post-launch.
  • Ensure continuous improvements, high performance, and robust issue resolution for all module functions, both before and after product launch.
  • Connectivity and Communication: Design and implement firmware architecture and communication protocols between the modular devices and other systems, including in-vehicle networks and mobile devices. Ensure secure and reliable data exchange between different components.
  • Security and Low Power Design: Ensure firmware is designed with security and low power consumption as top priorities. Implement robust security measures to protect against potential threats and optimize power management strategies for extended battery life.
  • Diagnostics and Event Logging: Implement comprehensive diagnostics and event logging capabilities within the firmware to facilitate debugging, troubleshooting, and system analysis. This includes defining diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), logging system events, and providing mechanisms for data retrieval and analysis.
  • Hardware Collaboration: Collaborate with the hardware team to ensure component selection aligns with platform requirements and firmware capabilities. Provide input on hardware design decisions to optimize for firmware performance and integration.
  • Testing and Validation: Collaborate closely with the validation team to develop and execute comprehensive test plans to validate firmware functionality, performance, stability, and adherence to requirements. This includes defining test cases, developing test scripts, and analyzing test results. Active participation in all testing phases, from unit testing to system-level testing, is expected.
  • Continuous Integration: Integrate project source code into the Continuous Integration (CI) software build infrastructure to automate the build process, perform automated testing, and ensure code quality.
  • Documentation: Maintain clear and concise documentation of firmware architecture, design decisions, and code implementation.
Qualifications

Even better, you may have...

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Significant experience in embedded software/firmware development, ideally in the automotive or consumer electronics industry.
  • Proven experience architecting and leading firmware development for complex embedded systems.
  • Strong programming skills in C/C++. Experience with other relevant languages (e.g., Python) is beneficial.
  • Deep understanding of RTOS concepts and experience with RTOS platforms.
  • Experience with communication protocols such as Ethernet, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.
  • Proficiency in hardware debugging tools (JTAG debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
  • Experience with software version control systems (e.g., Git).
  • Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment and lead technical discussions.
  • Experience with secure bootloaders and secure coding practices is highly desired.
  • Experience with over-the-air (OTA) updates is a plus.
     

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 an LL6
 

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/ll6SP4
 

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.
Onsite work of up to three days per week may be required for candidates within commuting distance of a Ford hub location.  #LI-Hybrid   #LI-MZ1 #UEV

Top Skills

Bluetooth
C/C++
Ethernet
Git
Jtag
Python
Rtos
Wi-Fi

Ford Motor Company Palo Alto, California, USA Office

3200 Hillview, Palo Alto, CA, United States, 94304

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