Navigation Feature Expert

We are looking for a Navigation Specialist to join Ford’s feature development team as a Feature Owner for in-vehicle navigation and positioning. In this role, you will own the end-to-end delivery of cockpit navigation features, while also leading technical solution reviews spanning GNSS fundamentals through multi-sensor fusion positioning. You will guide cross-functional teams and suppliers to deliver a precise, intuitive, and best-in-class navigation experience across Ford global products—ensuring robust performance in complex real-world environments and driving efficient issue closure from road tests and customer feedback.

• Positioning & Fusion Strategy 

  • Lead technical design reviews and performance analysis for GNSS positioning, front-end fusion (IMU/wheel-speed dead reckoning), and back-end fusion (map matching / vision fusion).
  • Ensure robust positioning performance in challenging scenarios (e.g., tunnels, elevated roads, urban canyons) and provide accurate spatiotemporal baselines for navigation.
  • Define and evaluate positioning KPIs and conduct deep-dive analysis using positioning logs and field data.

• Supplier Management 

  • Serve as the primary technical interface for navigation software and positioning module suppliers.
  • Lead technical syncs; review supplier development plans, validation strategies, test reports, and deliverable quality.
  • Drive software/hardware compatibility across IVI platform, positioning sensors, and map/data services; ensure on-time delivery to Ford standards.

• Issue Resolution & Leadership 

  • Establish and operate a full lifecycle defect tracking and closure mechanism (e.g., based on JIRA).
  • Conduct root-cause analysis for issues such as navigation drift, positioning loss, incorrect routing, and map-related anomalies, based on road test and customer feedback.
  • Coordinate closure across internal teams (UI/UX, systems engineering, test) and external partners (map/data providers) until problems are fully resolved.

• Feature Development 

  • Own the development and continuous improvement of navigation features integrated in IVI (including real-time / dynamic routing).
  • Partner closely with UI/UX to deliver an intuitive, ergonomic, and safe user experience aligned with Ford HMI principles.
  • Support feature roadmap planning, requirement definition, and release readiness.

• Continuous Improvement & Compliance 

  • Support validation activities including automated testing, SIL/HIL, and on-road testing; use data to drive continuous improvement.
  • Ensure compliance with automotive standards, regulatory requirements, and cybersecurity expectations relevant to navigation and connected services.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation, including system requirements/specs, design guidelines, and user-facing documentation as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree or above in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, GIS, Surveying/Geomatics, or related fields.

• 5+ years of navigation system development experience, including 2+ years in GNSS/INS integrated navigation or sensor-fusion algorithm application/review.

• Strong knowledge of:

  • Navigation software architecture and GNSS/GPS fundamentals

  • Map database standards such as NDS/Tiles…

  • Front-end DR (dead reckoning) and back-end fusion (e.g., map matching) theory, with ability to independently analyze positioning logs

• Proven supplier management capability; able to drive Tier 1 suppliers and map/data vendors to break through technical bottlenecks.

• Programming proficiency in C++ and/or Java and/or Python; familiarity with embedded/IVI development processes. 

• Experience with Agile development and defect management tools such as JIRA.

• Behavioral strengths aligned to Ford expectations:

  • Put People First: design with driver safety and convenience as the priority; strong empathy and UX awareness

  • Collaborate: excellent cross-functional communication; able to bridge hardware/software/test teams

  • Create Tomorrow: curiosity and initiative to track industry trends (HD maps, lane-level navigation, advanced localization)

  • Play to Win: resilience and ownership in solving complex technical problems; deliver high quality on program milestones