Job DescriptionWe are seeking a proactive and skilled
HIL Solutions & Automation Engineer to drive advanced test automation and AI-assisted validation workflows across our HIL test environments. In this role, you will bridge the gap between embedded hardware, simulation toolchains, and modern software engineering by developing intelligent tools for scenario generation, test coverage gap analysis, and closed-loop bench automation. You will work across dSPACE, CarMaker, and Python environments, integrating AI and REST APIs to accelerate validation velocity for ADAS, Chassis, and vehicle platform ECUs.
ResponsibilitiesIn this position... We are seeking a proactive and skilled HIL Solutions & Automation Engineer to drive advanced test automation and AI-assisted validation workflows across our HIL test environments. In this role, you will bridge the gap between embedded hardware, simulation toolchains, and modern software engineering by developing intelligent tools for scenario generation, test coverage gap analysis, and closed-loop bench automation. You will work across dSPACE, CarMaker, and Python environments, integrating AI and REST APIs to accelerate validation velocity for ADAS, Chassis, and vehicle platform ECUs.
What you'll do...- Develop and Maintain AI-Assisted Engineering Tools: Design and deploy Python- and Streamlit-based tools that convert natural-language engineering requirements into executable automation scripts for scenario generation, test-case authoring, and BDD/Gherkin acceptance criteria.
- HIL Automation & Scenario Development: Build and configure simulation scenarios using dSPACE ModelDesk, MotionDesk/Aurelion, and CarMaker toolchains, automating road assignment, ego/fellow vehicle maneuvers, and model download workflows.
- Bench Integration & Test Execution: Automate closed-loop HIL test routines using dSPACE ControlDesk APIs, Python, and CAN network signaling to validate system-level ECUs (e.g., ADAS, PSCM, ABS).
- Test Coverage & Gap Analysis: Build automated gap analysis tools interfacing with requirements and test management platforms (Jama, TestRail, SharePoint) to identify unverified functional requirements and generate targeted validation suites.
- Intelligent Data & Schematic Extraction: Develop automated parsers and AI-driven workflows to extract tester-facing parameters and harness data from electrical schematics into structured formats, minimizing manual engineering effort.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with feature owners, systems engineers, and software validation teams to identify manual test bottlenecks, verify tool outputs, and integrate reusable Python modules into lab workflows.
- Virtualization & Embedded Prototyping: Support bench-level bring-up, rapid prototyping with dSPACE and diagnostic/bus monitoring over CAN.
QualificationsYou'll have...- Bachelor's degree in Robotics Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Simulation & HIL Toolchains: Hands-on experience with dSPACE toolchains (ModelDesk, ControlDesk APIs) or vehicle simulation platforms (IPG CarMaker, MATLAB/Simulink).
- Programming & Automation: Strong proficiency in Python for test automation, API integration, and internal tool development (including libraries/frameworks such as Streamlit, REST APIs).
- Vehicle Networks & Embedded Systems: Strong understanding of automotive communication protocols (CAN bus), embedded microcontrollers, and ability to interpret complex electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
- Test Management & Traceability: Experience with requirements and test lifecycle management tools (Jama, TestRail, Jira) and test-case structuring (including BDD/Gherkin syntax).
- Problem Solving & Debugging: Proven ability to troubleshoot hardware/software bench interactions, validate signal integrity, and perform root-cause analysis on automated test scripts.
Even better, you may have...- Master's degree in Robotics Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline (completed or in progress).
- Applied AI & Computer Vision: Familiarity integrating AI/LLM-assisted workflows, NLP pipelines, or computer vision frameworks (PyTorch, OpenCV, YOLO) into engineering productivity tools.
- Robotics & Simulation Frameworks: Experience with ROS2, RViz, forward/inverse kinematics, or robotic automation systems.
- Additional Software Skills: Proficiency in C++, MATLAB scripting, or Excel/VBA automation.
- Industry Frameworks: Familiarity with automotive standards and agile practices (ISO 26262, ASPICE, SAFe/Scrum methodologies).
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 6 and ranges from $85,400-$115,000.
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: https://fordcareers.co/GSR
Visa sponsorship is
not available for this position.
This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week.
#LI-Hybrid #LI-MG3
