Ford Motor Company

Staff Hardware Validation Engineer

Ford Motor Company • $146K — $276K *
Palo Alto, CA 94303In-Person
Telecommunications & Hardware
5 - 7 years of experience
Reposted Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent
  • 5+ years of experience in hardware validation, mechatronic system design, or product development
  • 5+ years of experience in test equipment architecture and design of test rigs
  • Proven experience in defining test limits and pass/fail criteria for high-reliability hardware
  • Experience leading technical projects across multiple product families or global platforms

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of validation requirements and strategies for various product lines
  • Define and approve complex test specifications with high-fidelity criteria
  • Architect scalable test platforms for multiple hardware variants
  • Oversee the setup of complex test stations and resolve high-level technical issues
  • Collaborate with design teams to ensure systems are optimized for testability and manufacturing
  • Conduct failure mode analysis to identify root causes
  • Manage technical requirements for external suppliers and test labs

Benefits

  • Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
  • Flexible family care days and paid parental leave
  • Subsidized back-up child care for employees
  • Vehicle discount program for employees and their families
  • Tuition assistance and educational benefits
  • Active employee resource groups for support and networking
  • Paid time off for community service
  • Generous holiday schedule including the week between Christmas and New Year's day
Full Job Description
Job Description

In this position...
In this high-impact role, you will define the validation strategy and technical roadmaps for complex mechatronic hardware across multiple vehicle product lines.
You will not only oversee the "bring-up" of sophisticated test environments but also influence the foundational design for testability (DFT) and reliability across the enterprise.

You will bridge the gap between mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering, ensuring that our hardware architectures are robust, scalable, and validated to the highest rigorous standards.

Responsibilities

What you'll do...
• Lead the development of validation requirements and DVP&R strategies that span multiple product lines, ensuring consistency and technical excellence across different mechanical-electrical modules.
• Define and approve complex test specifications, including high-fidelity pass/fail criteria, to ensure long-term reliability in diverse global environments.
• Lead architectural design of scalable test platforms that can be leveraged across multiple hardware variants to increase testing efficiency.
• Spearhead bring-up of high-complexity test stations. Act as the primary technical escalations point for the most challenging hardware/software integration issues.
• Partner with hardware design teams at the architecture phase to influence PCB and mechanical designs, ensuring systems are designed for test (DFT) and manufacturing (DFM), optimized for validation and end-of-line production testing.
• Performing failure mode analysis with advanced detailed analysis tools to drive root cause diagnosis.
• Direct the technical requirements for external Tier 1 suppliers and independent test labs to ensure outsourced validation meets Ford's stringent internal benchmarks.
• Managing vendors to implement validation tools, plans and infrastructure
• Business travel (up to 20% domestic and international travel) to support product development is required

Qualifications

You'll have...

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience in hardware validation, mechatronic system design, or product development.
• 5+ years of experience in test equipment architecture, including the design of custom electrical/mechanical test rigs and automated stations.
• Proven track record of defining test limits and pass/fail criteria for high-reliability hardware.
• Experience leading technical projects that span multiple product families or global platforms.

Even better, you may have...
• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• Expert-level proficiency in automated test frameworks (Python, LabVIEW, or C++) and hardware communication protocols (Automotive Ethernet, CAN-FD, PCIe).
• Deep understanding of ISO 26262 (Functional Safety), ISO 16750 (Environmental Testing), and EMC/EMI compliance standards.
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and correlating physical test data with virtual simulations.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to distill complex technical risks for executive leadership.

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 $146,520-276,600.

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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