Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Lead embedded firmware development and firmware integration for connected vehicle systems at Ford. Seeking a highly experienced engineer to shape vehicle interaction and personalization.

Posted 4/24/2026full-timePalo Alto • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $135,420 - $226,980 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AndroidCloudPythonRTOS

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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.

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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Hard Skills & Tools

embedded software developmentfirmware developmentCC++PythonRTOScommunication protocolsEthernetBluetoothWi-Fi

Soft Skills

problem-solvinganalytical skillscommunication skillscollaborative team environmentleadershiptechnical discussions

Certifications

Bachelor's degreeMaster's degree