Ford Motor Company · 1 day ago
Senior Software Engineer
Palo Alto, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
5+ years expFord Motor Company is seeking a highly experienced and influential Senior Software Engineer to lead the firmware development and integration for innovative connected modular systems. The role involves shaping the future of vehicle interaction, optimizing performance, and ensuring robust security in firmware for connected vehicle devices.
AutomotiveAutonomous VehiclesManufacturingTransportation
Responsibilities
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
Platform Development: Extend and enhance the existing platform BSP and device drivers to support the unique requirements of each modular device. This may include developing new drivers for sensors, actuators, communication interfaces, and other peripherals. Collaborate with the platform team to integrate critical components like secure bootloaders and device drivers
Module Function Development: Work with feature owners and domain leads to develop and maintain software for specific module functionalities (e.g., environmental control, power management, multimedia). Create and maintain firmware for energy management systems, focusing on enhancing functionality and resolving issues post-launch. Ensure continuous improvements, high performance, and robust issue resolution for all module functions, 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
Security and Low Power Design: Ensure firmware is designed with security and low power consumption as top priorities. Implement robust security measures to protect against potential threats and optimize power management strategies for extended battery life
Diagnostics and Event Logging: Implement comprehensive diagnostics and event logging capabilities within the firmware to facilitate debugging, troubleshooting, and system analysis. This includes defining diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), logging system events, and providing mechanisms for data retrieval and analysis
Hardware Collaboration: Collaborate with the hardware team to ensure component selection aligns with platform requirements and firmware capabilities. Provide input on hardware design decisions to optimize for firmware performance and integration
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
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
Experience with secure bootloaders and secure coding practices is highly desired
Experience with over-the-air (OTA) updates is a plus
Benefits
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.
Company
Ford Motor Company
We don't just make history -- we make the future.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Ford Motor Company has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (980)
2024 (810)
2023 (662)
2022 (970)
2021 (630)
2020 (364)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$16.23BKey Investors
US Department of EnergySoros Fund Management
2025-07-29Post Ipo Debt· $3B
2023-08-17Post Ipo Debt· $4B
2023-06-22Debt Financing· $9.2B
Leadership Team
James Farley
Chief Executive Officer
Efrat Barit
COO
Recent News
2026-01-16
DBusiness Magazine
2026-01-16
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