SW Applications Engineer – Ultra Cap/Energy Modules

Ford Motor Company

SW Applications Engineer managing embedded software for Ultra Capacitor and Energy Module systems at Ford. Collaborating cross-functionally to ensure performance and safety of vehicle electrical systems.

Posted 5/9/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $85,400 - $192,900 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber SecurityRTOS

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Act as the primary technical interface and advocate for the UCap/EMM system's requirements and integration needs to core software development teams, vehicle program stakeholders, and other cross-functional groups.
Collaborate with key stakeholders to translate UCap/EMM system-level requirements (functional, performance, safety, cybersecurity) into clear, actionable inputs for software development teams. Review software requirements and designs from an UCap/EMM system perspective to ensure alignment with hardware capabilities and system specifications.
Collaborate with functional safety engineers and software teams to ensure UCap/EMM software solutions meet ISO 26262 standards. Provide UCap/EMM system input for ASIL-compliant software requirements, specifically focusing on the UCap/EMM's role as a redundant power supply source to mitigate power-related failures and ensure continuous power delivery to safety-critical systems (e.g., braking and steering) for achieving required ASILs. Review safety mechanism designs and participate in safety analyses (e.g., FTA, FMEA) from an UCap/EMM system perspective.
Act as a critical technical liaison between UCap/EMM hardware design, core software development, system/feature owners, and validation teams to ensure seamless integration and resolution of inter-disciplinary issues.
Understand the interaction between UCap/EMM software, microcontroller units (MCUs), peripheral drivers, and Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) to effectively support UCap/EMM system integration and troubleshooting.
Ensure the UCap/EMM software properly implements and utilizes automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN, LIN, Ethernet) for effective interaction between the UCap/EMM module and other Body Control Modules (BCMs) and vehicle ECUs.
Contribute to the development and review of comprehensive software validation and test strategies (including unit, integration, system, and HIL testing) to verify that the UCap/EMM software correctly controls and manages the UCap/EMM hardware and meets system requirements.
Lead and actively participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) efforts (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams) for UCap/EMM system issues, especially when software is a contributing factor or interacts with the problem. Utilize UCap/EMM system expertise to guide investigations and collaborate with software SMEs to identify and implement robust solutions.
Monitor the software build, configuration, and release process, ensuring that UCap/EMM software versions are correctly managed and documented for vehicle program integration and compatibility.
Review external software deliverables from an UCap/EMM system perspective, ensuring they meet Ford's technical specifications and quality standards.
Review software design documents, architecture specifications, validation plans, and release notes for accuracy and completeness, ensuring alignment with UCap/EMM system objectives.
Provide expertise to ensure software properly addresses Automotive Powernet Low Voltage Power Supply (LVPS) Systems, including system voltage regulation, battery and ultracapacitor (UCap) charging strategies, and power load management techniques related to UCap/EMM functionality.
Provide expertise to ensure software effectively develops and implements strategies for diagnosing system faults and managing them effectively within UCap/EMM and interacting automotive power supply systems.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
3+ years of experience in automotive electrical systems engineering, with significant exposure to Ultra Capacitors, Energy Modules, or similar power storage/delivery systems.
Strong understanding of embedded software development processes, methodologies, and lifecycle (e.g., requirements, design, coding, testing), sufficient to effectively collaborate with software subject matter experts.
Demonstrated experience with functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262) and their application in automotive systems, particularly concerning power redundancy for safety-critical functions.
Familiarity with automotive Powernet Low Voltage Power Supply (LVPS) systems, including voltage regulation, battery/ultracapacitor charging strategies, and power load management techniques.
Experience with developing and implementing strategies for diagnosing system faults and managing them effectively within automotive power supply systems.
Experience with automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN, LIN, Ethernet) and diagnostics (UDS).
Familiarity with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) concepts.
Excellent problem-solving skills and proven experience leading Root Cause Analysis (RCA) efforts.
Strong collaboration and communication skills, with proven ability to work effectively across multiple engineering disciplines.

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

embedded software developmentautomotive communication protocolsReal-Time Operating SystemsRoot Cause AnalysisISO 26262power load managementvoltage regulationdiagnosing system faultssoftware validationsafety mechanism design

Soft Skills

problem-solvingcollaborationcommunicationleadership