Electrical Systems Engineer

Ford Ford · Auto · Dearborn, MI +1 · PD Operations and Quality

Electrical Systems Engineer at Ford focused on advanced vehicle development, prototype builds, and pre-production test platforms. Responsibilities include designing and integrating custom vehicle electrical architectures, defining communication networks (CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet), leading analog and digital circuit design, and overseeing PCB development. Requires expertise in automotive electrical systems, integration, and validation.

What you'd actually do

  1. Development and integration of custom vehicle electrical architectures across prototype and test platforms
  2. Define and implement vehicle communication networks (CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet)
  3. Design and deploy custom electrical interfaces to support instrumentation requirements
  4. Lead analog and digital circuit design and oversee full PCB development lifecycle (design through validation)
  5. Contribute to prototype builds and key program milestones with hands-on engagement

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related engineering discipline
  • 3+ years of experience in electrical systems design, integration, and troubleshooting
  • 3+ years of experience in automotive applications and applicable interfaces such as vehicle CAN network communication bus and vehicle diagnostics
  • Proven experience delivering end-to-end custom PCB designs
  • Demonstrated expertise in automotive electrical architecture and troubleshooting
  • Demonstrated experience ensuring end-to-end system integration and validation, from requirements through design and test results
  • Experience with resource planning, budget awareness, and cost-conscious engineering decisions
  • Proficiency with electrical lab and diagnostic equipment

Nice to have

  • Experience supporting prototype, advanced development, or pre-production vehicle programs
  • Hands-on experience with vehicle builds, prototype PCB fabrication, and test platform electrical integration
  • Experience supporting product launches or high-visibility engineering initiatives
  • Strong background in signal integrity and vehicle instrumentation tooling
  • Familiarity with networking protocols (CAN, XCP, TCP, UDP) and debugging tools (DET, CANalyzer, etc.)
  • Experience with OrCAD, Kicad, Eagle, etc., schematic and PCB creation tooling
  • Experience with CAD and PLM tools (e.g., CATIA, AutoCAD, Teamcenter, 3DX)

What the JD emphasized

  • 3+ years of experience in electrical systems design, integration, and troubleshooting
  • 3+ years of experience in automotive applications and applicable interfaces such as vehicle CAN network communication bus and vehicle diagnostics
  • Proven experience delivering end-to-end custom PCB designs
  • Demonstrated expertise in automotive electrical architecture and troubleshooting
  • Demonstrated experience ensuring end-to-end system integration and validation, from requirements through design and test results