Ford Motor Company

Product Development Engineer

Ford Motor Company • $99K — $166K *
Dearborn, MI 48126In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Computer, or Software Engineering, or equivalent experience.
  • 3+ years in embedded software development within the automotive field.
  • 3+ years understanding of automotive software development processes (ASPICE, ISO 26262).
  • 3+ years expertise in automotive communication protocols (LIN).
  • 3+ years experience collaborating with automotive suppliers on software projects.
  • 3+ years comprehension of cybersecurity in automotive embedded systems.

Responsibilities

  • Lead design, development, and release of embedded software for BMS LIN Sensor components.
  • Translate functional and quality requirements into actionable software specifications.
  • Serve as the primary technical interface between Ford and software suppliers.
  • Review and approve supplier software designs and validation reports.
  • Monitor supplier software development progress and manage deliverables.
  • Resolve technical issues during all phases of software lifecycle, including root cause analysis.
  • Conduct software validation and verification activities, including vehicle-level integration.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in an innovative Power Supply & Energy Management organization.
  • Hybrid work model requiring onsite presence four or more days per week.
  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.
Full Job Description
Job Description

In this position...
Ford is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Software Design & Release Engineer to join our innovative Power Supply & Energy Management organization. In this critical role, you will be responsible for the design, development, integration, testing, and release of embedded software for intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) LIN Sensors that monitor and manage 12V and 48V battery systems within Ford's next-generation vehicles. This position demands a strong understanding of embedded software development, Local Interconnect Network (LIN) communication protocols, intelligent sensor technologies, battery state estimation (SOC, SOH, SOP), functional safety, and cybersecurity. You will collaborate with our core software team during the software product lifecycle from concept to production, working closely with cross-functional teams and external suppliers to deliver world-class smart sensor software for critical energy management systems. You will manage the entire software lifecycle for BMS LIN Sensor modules, ensuring that all software implementations meet Ford's stringent functional, cybersecurity, and quality standards, and are delivered on time to support key program milestones. This position requires a deep understanding of automotive power supply architectures and robust automotive software development and delivery processes.

Responsibilities

What you'll do...
  • Lead the design, development, and release of embedded software for BMS LIN Sensor components, collaborating closely with external suppliers.
  • Translate Ford's functional, performance, diagnostic, cybersecurity, safety, and quality requirements into clear and actionable software specifications for intelligent sensor suppliers.
  • Act as the primary technical interface for software-related topics between Ford and supplier engineering teams, fostering strong partnerships.
  • Review and approve supplier software designs, architectures, test plans, and validation reports to ensure compliance with Ford standards and industry best practices (e.g., ASPICE, ISO 26262).
  • Monitor supplier software development progress, track key performance indicators, and manage deliverables to ensure adherence to program timelines and quality gates.
  • Facilitate efficient resolution of technical issues and defects during all phases of the software development lifecycle, including root cause analysis and corrective action implementation for complex LIN communication or sensor accuracy issues.
  • Ensure rigorous software validation and verification activities are conducted, supporting both bench-level LIN network testing and vehicle-level integration.
  • Support vehicle integration and testing efforts for BMS LIN Sensors, troubleshooting software, diagnostic, and network-related issues as they arise.
  • Participate in cross-functional team meetings, design reviews, FMEAs, and other quality-related processes to ensure robust product development.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of intelligent battery sensing fundamentals (voltage, current, and temperature measurement) and low-voltage (12V/48V) energy management requirements.
  • Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in automotive software, smart sensors, and LIN network architectures.


Qualifications

You'll have...
  • Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
  • 3+ years of experience in embedded software development and delivery within the automotive industry.
  • 3+ years of a strong understanding of automotive software development processes, including familiarity with ASPICE and ISO 26262.
  • 3+ years of demonstrated knowledge of automotive communication protocols, with specific expertise in LIN (Local Interconnect Network) and associated network management.
  • 3+ years of experience working with automotive suppliers on software development projects.
  • 3+ years of an understanding of cybersecurity principles as applied to automotive embedded systems and smart sensors.

Even better, you may have...
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and experience with Root Cause Analysis (RCA) methodologies.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field
  • Direct experience with battery state estimation algorithms (SOC, SOH, SOP) for 12V or 48V energy storage systems
  • Hands-on experience with Vector tools (CANoe, CANalyzer, CANape) for LIN/CAN network analysis, simulation, and diagnostics
  • Experience with automotive cybersecurity standards (e.g., ISO/SAE 21434) and secure software development lifecycle practices
  • Working knowledge of AUTOSAR architecture, particularly as it relates to LIN network management and diagnostic communication (UDS, DTCs)
  • Familiarity with functional safety development per ISO 26262, including hazard analysis, safety case documentation, and ASIL-rated software requirements
  • Experience with low-voltage (12V/48V) power architectures, smart battery sensors, or energy management systems in a production vehicle environment
  • Prior experience managing multiple suppliers concurrently across global program timelines
  • Experience with bench and HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) testing environments for embedded automotive software validation

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 salary grade 7 and ranges from $99,600-$166,600.
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

This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid

#LI-AC4

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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