Staff Vehicle Software Integration, Test Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Vehicle Software Integration & Test Engineer for automotive development projects at Ford. Executing test plans across multiple domains to ensure high software quality in vehicles.

Posted 7/6/2026full-timePalo Alto • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $150,200 - $283,500 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and execute vehicle-level test plans for pre-merge and post-merge software releases across multiple domains, including chassis/motion controls, body systems, and thermal management.
Design and perform in-vehicle tests, including ride and handling evaluations, stability assessments, and performance tuning, using data acquisition and analysis tools.
Contribute to the creation and improvement of vehicle-level test processes, test plans, and validation workflows.
Develop and implement repeatable test procedures for vehicle-level software features and attributes.
Operate and evaluate vehicles in structured and exploratory test routes to validate embedded feature behavior and performance.
Maintain the readiness of the prototype fleet for daily testing, demos, and development activities.
Collaborate with engineering teams to define test requirements, methods, and success criteria.
Analyze and interpret data from vehicle testing, providing insights to support engineering development and tuning of control systems.
Document testing procedures, results, modifications, and software issues with clear context, reproduction steps, and logs using task/bug tracking tools (e.g., Jira).

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Automotive Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field; or equivalent hands-on technical experience.
3+ years of experience in vehicle-level software validation, systems integration, prototype vehicle operations, or automotive technician work.
Strong working knowledge of automotive embedded systems, including chassis control ECUs, body modules, thermal management, braking, steering, and powertrain.
Experience supporting vehicle bring-up, calibration loops, or multi-domain integration testing.
Comfortable with ECU flashing, calibration updates, and electrical troubleshooting.
Strong proficiency with CAN tools and software for diagnostic interfaces, and log analysis for embedded systems such as CANalyzer, CANape, CANoe, Intrepid CS tools, and MATLAB.
Hands-on experience with vehicle dynamics concepts and testing methods, including ride and handling evaluations.
Demonstrated ability to operate development vehicles safely and confidently in a test environment.
Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
Willingness to travel for test trips and support off-site builds and test campaigns as required.

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

Vehicle Dynamics TestingChassis Control ECUsCalibration LoopsElectrical TroubleshootingECU FlashingPerformance TuningTest Plan DevelopmentData InterpretationTest Procedure DocumentationMulti-Domain Integration Testing

Soft Skills

Problem-SolvingAttention to DetailCross-Functional CollaborationIndependent WorkCommunication

Certifications

Valid Driver's License