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Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Job ID
62569
Location
Palo Alto, California
Category
PD Operations and Quality

Overview

At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move.

  • Job Type: Full time
  • Work Type: Hybrid

We are seeking a highly experienced and influential Senior Software Engineer to lead the firmware development and integration for a family of innovative connected modular systems. These multi-functional products can be used both inside and outside the vehicle, creating a seamless and connected user experience. As a technical leader, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of vehicle interaction and personalization, setting the architectural direction for the project. This role requires a deep mastery of embedded systems, connectivity, diagnostics, and a talent for integrating third-party solutions. Strong leadership and collaboration skills are essential for success in this position.

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.
•    Design and implement end-to-end diagnostics and telemetry features. This includes developing updates for embedded systems and supporting Android applications/bridges, as well as driving full-stack validation from the device to the cloud.
•    Ensure continuous improvements, high performance, and robust issue resolution for all developed functionalities, 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.
•    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.

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 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 a salary grade 8 and ranges from $135,420-226,980.


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

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.

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-MZ1 

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Change the world with your ideas.

Speak up. We’re listening. At Ford, we believe the right ideas, and the people behind them, can move an entire industry. Here, you'll work with teams who value your voice, push bold ideas forward, and leave a mark that lasts.

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Support designed to go the distance.

From day one, Ford invests in you with medical benefits built to help you plan for what’s next. You’ll also get support for you and your family that meets you at every step, so you can move forward with confidence.

  • Health and Wellness

    Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, mental health, and unique wellness perks keep you and your family supported every step of the way.

  • Financial and Retirement Programs

    Build a strong financial future with robust retirement contributions, savings programs, and free personalized financial planning tools.

  • Flexible Vacation and Holidays

    Enjoy your time away from work with generous vacation, holidays, and flexible family leave designed to help you balance life and work with ease.

  • Vehicle Discount Program

    The best thing about building great products is driving them! The second-best thing: sharing your discount with family and friends so they can drive them, too.

  • Family Growth and Support

    Grow your family confidently with fertility, surrogacy, and adoption assistance, paid parental leave, and a supportive new-parent ramp-up program.

  • Additional Programs

    Enjoy unexpected extras like pet insurance, legal services, identity protection, and access to convenient health and wellness services.

Testimonial

Ford gives me the space to innovate, to lead, and to serve — all while staying true to who I am as an engineer, educator, and parent. It’s not just a career; it’s a community that drives change.

  • Built on one bold idea and the passion to define sustainable transportation for generations to come, Ford is a story about people with a vision that’s still being written.

    What We Do
  • Ford’s culture fuels the kind of momentum where ideas flow, progress is unstoppable, and our people keep redefining what it means to innovate.

    Our People and Culture
  • At Ford, your work matters, your life matters and we’re here to back the whole you—from growth to well-being—so you show up ready to realize your full potential.

    Your Benefits

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