Ford Motor Company

Lead Platform Software V&V Engineer

Ford Motor Company • $150K — $283K *
Palo Alto, CA 94303In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM field
  • Hands-on experience debugging and validating microcontrollers (e.g., ESP32, ARM Cortex-M)
  • Deep understanding of automotive networking protocols including Automotive Ethernet, CAN FD, and UDS
  • Familiarity with Realtek Ethernet transceivers/switches and low-level peripheral configurations
  • Knowledge of ISO 26262 processes and safety-critical testing techniques
  • Strong programming skills in Python and C

Responsibilities

  • Define validation and verification roadmap for post-silicon bench testing and HIL environments
  • Mentor engineers and establish best practices for safety-critical testing
  • Coordinate global testing efforts, ensuring alignment and smooth transitions
  • Interface with cross-functional teams to align verification plans with HSI definitions
  • Execute validation on automotive ECUs and physical silicon evaluation boards
  • Architect and execute bootloader test strategies for secure boot and flashing processes
  • Analyze communication layers and benchmark network performance under varying conditions

Benefits

  • Visa sponsorship available
  • Hybrid working model with potential onsite requirements
  • Direct mentorship opportunities
  • Work on next-generation automotive technology
  • Collaborate with global teams across multiple regions
Full Job Description
Job Description

We are seeking a Lead Platform Software V&V Engineer that architecturally drives and executes the safety, performance, and deterministic reliability strategies for next-generation automotive electronic control units (ECUs). In this role, you will lead hands-on post-silicon bench testing on microcontrollers, validating Real-Time Drivers (RTD), the System Timer Module (STM), integrated automotive Ethernet chipsets, and bootloaders.

You will own the end-to-end definition and execution of test methodologies designed to comply with ISO 26262 ASIL functional safety requirements while optimizing real-time network stack throughput. You will architect automated test frameworks primarily controlled via Python frameworks, with flexibility to develop target-side test code in C, C++, or Rust. You will provide unified technical leadership across regional sites, and directly mentor both local and offshore engineers. Your expertise in embedded systems and automotive industry knowledge will help ensure the quality and reliability of our software solutions.

Responsibilities

What you'll do...
  • Technical Leadership & Distributed Team Collaboration
    • Define the validation & verification roadmap, test strategies, and architectural design for physical post-silicon bench testing and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments.
    • Mentor and guide offshore engineers and distributed validation teams across different regional US offices, establishing unified best practices for code quality, safety-critical testing, and test engineering excellence.
    • Coordinate cross-site execution to ensure continuous testing alignment, smooth handoffs, and consistent test artifact generation between global engineering groups.
    • Interface directly with cross-functional teams (Systems, Silicon, Firmware, Safety) to align verification plans with hardware-software interface definitions (HSI).


  • Post-Silicon Bench Testing & Hardware Validation
    • Execute bench-level validation on physical silicon evaluation boards and custom automotive ECUs.
    • Configure and validate hardware peripherals, specifically focusing on the System Timer Module (STM), memory protection units, and interrupt controllers.
    • Integrate and verify PHY/switch drivers, validating high-speed automotive Ethernet transceiver performance under varied environmental conditions.
    • Bootloader & Flash Validation: Architect and execute test strategies for primary/secondary bootloaders, validating secure boot sequences (cryptographic signature verification), flashing routines via UDS (ISO 14229) over CAN/Ethernet, and dual-bank OTA roll-back mechanisms on microcontrollers.


  • Driver & Performance Verification
    • Validate Real-Time Drivers (RTD) for bare-metal and AUTOSAR runtime environments.
    • Benchmark network stack throughput and latency using network testing utilities like iperf, CANoe, and hardware packet generators.
    • Analyze complex communication layers including TCP/IP, SOME/IP, and DoIP over automotive Ethernet interfaces.


  • Functional Safety & Test Automation
    • Design, implement, and maintain automated regression test frameworks controlled via Python scripts.
    • Develop target-side test applications in C, C++, or Rust when bare-metal deterministic execution or strict memory safety verification is required.
    • Author V&V test specifications mapped directly to safety goals to ensure compliance across various safety levels (ASIL B to ASIL D) in alignment with ISO 26262 Part 6.
    • Utilize advanced lab instrumentation (digital oscilloscopes, logic analyzers) and debuggers to capture signals and isolate physical-layer anomalies.


Qualifications

You'll have...
  • Education: B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM field.
  • Processor Expertise: Hands-on experience debugging and validating microcontrollers (ie. ESP32, ARM Cortex-M, etc.).
  • Automotive Communication: Deep understanding of automotive networking protocols, including Automotive Ethernet (100BASE-T1/1000BASE-T1), CAN FD, LIN, and Unified Diagnostic Services (UDS / ISO 14229) for flashing configurations.
  • Silicon Ecosystems: Proven familiarity with Realtek Ethernet transceivers/switches and configuring low-level peripheral timers like the STM.
  • Functional Safety Standards: Comprehensive understanding of ISO 26262 processes, hardware-software interface definitions (HSI), and safety-critical testing techniques.
  • Software Toolkit: Strong programming fluency in Python for building bench automation frameworks, alongside C for low-level embedded software inspection.

Even better, you may have...
  • Automotive Network & Traffic Generation Tools
    • Experience using dedicated automotive hardware interfaces and packet injection tools such as Intrepid Control Systems RAD-Gigastar, Vector VN5610A/VN5640, or other media converters.
    • Familiarity with enterprise Layer 2/3 traffic emulation suites such as Keysight IxNetwork or Spirent TestCenter to validate switch latency and throughput boundaries.
    • Hands-on knowledge of network script automation using open-source packet manipulation libraries like Scapy via Python.


  • Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) & Debug Environments
    • Advanced proficiency in automated debugging and memory trace extraction utilizing a Lauterbach Trace32 debugger or other vendor-specific debuggers.
    • Experience using bench automation and instrumentation platforms such as dSPACE (ControlDesk/ConfigurationDesk) or Vector VT System for modular I/O and fault-injection testing.
    • Proficiency configuring low-level registers, clocks, and peripheral drivers via vendor-specific configuration tools.


  • ISO 26262 Code Compliance & Dynamic Analysis
    • Experience with target-based software testing and code coverage frameworks like QA Systems Cantata or Parasoft C/C++test to enforce structural safety standards.
    • Familiarity with static analysis and MISRA C/C++ compliance checkers such as QA-MISRA, Helix QAC, or Synopsys Coverity.

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!

This position is a leadership level 6 and ranges from $150,200-$283,500.
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/LL6

Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

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. #LI-Hybrid

#LI-SE1 #UEV

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company manufactures or distributes automobiles in addition to offering financial services. The company sells to dealerships for retail sales, and for sale to fleet customers, including commercial fleet customers, daily rental car companies, and governments. Ford’s vehicle portfolio includes automobiles, buses, tractors, and trucks. Retail financing includes retail installment sale contracts for new and used vehicles, and direct financing leases for new vehicles to retail customers, government entities, daily rental car companies, and fleet customers. Finance receivables in the non-consumer portfolio include products offered to automotive dealers. Ford’s environmental initiatives include compressed natural gas, flexible fuel vehicles, electric drive vehicles, Hydrogen, PC power management, and so on. Ford Motor Company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903 and is headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford Motor Company Careers

Join the dynamic team at Ford Motor Company, a global leader in automotive innovation and manufacturing. At Ford, we are committed to driving human progress by providing outstanding vehicles and mobility solutions. This is an exciting time to become part of our inclusive team, where job opportunities abound and growth is not just a possibility, but a promise.

Work You’ll Do

At Ford Motor Company, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Our professionals are at the forefront of automotive technology, leading projects that redefine transportation and sustainability. With a culture rooted in continuous improvement and respect for all, Ford offers a workplace where leadership, diversity training, and innovation are part of everyday life.

Join Our Market-Leading Team

Ford’s commitment to excellence is why we are a leader in the automotive sector. We offer a variety of career paths, from engineering to marketing, all designed to foster professional and personal growth. Our team benefits from Ford’s commitment to professional development and networking opportunities, ensuring that every team member can reach their full potential.

Innovative Work

Engage in work that makes a difference. Ford Motor Company is pioneering developments in electrification, autonomous vehicles, and smart mobility solutions. Our team of over 190,000 employees worldwide is dedicated to crafting experiences that improve the way the world moves.

Be Part of a Great Team

Working at Ford means more than just having a job; it means being part of a global family. Our culture promotes teamwork, integrity, and respect—values that underpin everything we do. We believe in nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment where every employee can thrive.

Future-Proof Your Career

Ford Motor Company is not just a great place to work; it’s a place to build a lasting career. Our employees enjoy competitive benefits, comprehensive health care, and retirement plans that rank among the best in the industry. We support career advancement through extensive training programs and hands-on experience in the latest automotive technologies.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a student interested in an internship, Ford has opportunities that will harness your skills and ignite your ambition. Our hiring process is straightforward and respectful, designed to match your skills and passions with the right position.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Ready to start your journey with Ford? Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that’s building the future of transportation.

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Learn more about Ford Motor Company
Size
183,000 employees
Market Cap
$44.8 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
-$1.2 billion
Founded
1903
5 Year Trend
-2.1%
Revenue
$127.1 billion
NASDAQ
F
* Ladders Estimates

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