Senior Systems Development Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Systems Development Engineer specializing in robust systems interface and software requirements at Ford. Collaborating with development teams to ensure reliability and mitigate failures in automotive systems.

Posted 4/23/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $84,480 - $141,360 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Distributed SystemsJavaPython

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Interact with feature owners and software development teams to scope and define robust systems interface and software requirements, with a strong emphasis on proactive Design Failure Mode Effects and Analysis (DFMEA).
This includes the process of deriving functional level requirements from feature level requirements, and utilizing a model-based systems engineering approach in conjunction with Behavior Driven Development methodology to define individual functions, use cases, sequence diagrams, and test cases, ensuring design for reliability and early identification and mitigation of potential failure modes across the In-Vehicle Infotainment and Connectivity sub-system and software levels.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer/Software/Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
5+ years of experience with electrical architecture, electrical systems, and automotive network topologies, with a strong background in Systems Engineering and reliability principles
5+ years of experience in robust requirement development, verification, and validation, with a focus on designing for reliability and testability, and experience in component/vehicle level testing for failure modes.
Proven experience in systematically analyzing and resolving complex systems issues, employing root cause analysis, corrective action methodologies, and implementing design solutions for failure avoidance.
In-depth knowledge of CAN, LIN, and Ethernet-based In-Vehicle Network protocols and processes, including understanding of potential failure modes and diagnostic strategies.
Knowledge of Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) based API design, with an understanding of fault tolerance and error handling in distributed systems.
Knowledge of Human Factors and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), including considerations for usability, error prevention, and graceful degradation in failure scenarios.
Strong knowledge of Requirements Engineering (INCOSE, EARS, BDD/Gherkin), with an ability to translate reliability and safety requirements into actionable specifications.
Demonstrated in-depth knowledge and practical application of Design Failure Mode Avoidance (DFMA), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and other reliability engineering techniques.
Knowledge of Unified Modeling Language (UML) or System Modeling Language (SysML) for modeling system behavior, structure, and potential failure modes.
Knowledge of Computer Programming Competencies (C++, Python, Java) for developing robust and fault-tolerant software.
Familiarity with Automotive Infotainment Systems or other Automotive Domains, including a deep understanding of interfaces, communication protocols, features/functions, architecture, and common failure mechanisms.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Design Failure Mode Effects Analysis (DFMEA)Behavior Driven Development (BDD)Requirements EngineeringDesign Failure Mode Avoidance (DFMA)Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)Unified Modeling Language (UML)System Modeling Language (SysML)C++Python

Soft Skills

proactive communicationanalytical problem solvingroot cause analysiscorrective action methodologiesdesign solutions implementationusability considerationserror preventiongraceful degradation

Certifications

Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer EngineeringBachelor of Science Degree in Software EngineeringBachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering