Brake Controls Software Application Design Engineer

Where Safety Meets Next-Gen Software. Help Us Redefine Vehicle Dynamics for the Electric Era.

We made history, and now we are transforming the future. At Ford, braking is no longer just about stopping a vehicle—it is the foundation of regenerative braking for our cutting-edge EVs, the backbone of active safety for our advanced Driver Assist Technologies (like BlueCruise), and a critical node in our Software-Defined Vehicle architecture.

As a Brake Controls Software Application Design Engineer, you won’t just write or manage code; you will be the architect bridging the gap between sophisticated software algorithms and physical vehicle dynamics. You will see the direct impact of your work on the road every single day, keeping millions of drivers safe while delivering an exhilarating driving experience.

Why this role is different:

• High Visibility, High Impact: This is a pivotal role on a quality-driven team where your decisions directly influence vehicle launches, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and advanced vehicle safety.
• A Culture of Growth: Work under supportive leadership that prioritizes your career trajectory, encourages technical curiosity, and gives you the autonomy to solve complex engineering challenges.
• At the Center of Innovation: You will collaborate across disciplines, working with prototype vehicles, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) simulators, and global suppliers to bring new technologies from concept to production.

What you’ll do (Your Impact):

• Own the Software Lifecycle: Lead the end-to-end delivery of Brake Controls software and calibration, managing key milestones, change management, and seamless Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates.
• Drive Global Supplier Partnerships: Act as the technical lead guiding supplier partners through the Ford Global Product Development System (GPDS), leading Software Technical Design Reviews (TDRs), and ensuring ASPICE compliance.
• Bridge Virtual & Physical Worlds: Go beyond the desk. You will support prototype vehicle builds, troubleshoot on Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) simulators, and root-cause complex issues at assembly plants during End-of-Line (EOL) setups.
• Master Complex Vehicle Networks: Work with advanced cross-module communication systems (including CAN, CS, CMA, E2E, and PARSED) to ensure flawless integration of driver-assist and chassis control features.
• Champion Quality & Diagnostics: Investigate Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), lead Quality Early Detection (QED) initiatives, and release comprehensive diagnostic specifications to ensure world-class vehicle reliability.

What you’ll bring:

We are looking for a collaborative, analytical thinker who thrives in fast-paced environments. To be successful in this role, you should have:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Chassis or Powertrain Expertise: 4+ years of hands-on experience in the design or development of chassis or powertrain controls.
• Software Delivery Track Record: 4+ years of experience navigating software change management processes and delivering high-quality software work packages.
• Project Execution: 4+ years of experience in engineering roles with structured deliverables, milestones, and a proven track record of meeting program timing.

Even better if you have:

If you have any of the following, you’ll be able to hit the ground running:

• Safety & Quality Standards: Familiarity with ISO 26262 (Functional Safety) and quality assurance processes like FMEA.
• Network & Data Savvy: Deep understanding of vehicle network communications (e.g., CAN) and experience utilizing digital/analog data acquisition and system analysis tools.
• Supplier & Project Leadership: 2+ years of experience managing technical suppliers, running standup meetings, and presenting technical status to high-level stakeholders.
• A Problem-Solving Mindset: A self-starter attitude with a passion for diagnosing vehicle issues, experimenting on test benches, and bringing concept designs to production rapidly.

Come build what matters.

At Ford, you can build more than vehicles—you can build a career with purpose. If you are ready to shape the future of vehicle dynamics, safety, and software-defined mobility, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and let’s build the future together.

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 7 thru 8 ranges from $99,600-$192,900. 
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:

Visa sponsorship is not 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

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