Senior Embedded Controls Engineer, Body Controls

Ford Ford · Auto · Palo Alto, CA +2 · Research and Advance Engineering

Seeking a Senior Embedded Controls Software Engineer to develop and integrate controls for automotive body systems (seats, tailgates, windows, etc.). The role involves developing control algorithms, leading hardware integration and validation, applying functional safety principles, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Requires strong embedded software development experience, knowledge of vehicle networks (CAN, LIN), and experience with safety-critical systems.

What you'd actually do

  1. Develop control and estimation algorithms for body control features such as window systems, closure systems, lighting, and other actuator-based functions.
  2. Lead the design, integration, and validation of body controls hardware components on electrical test assets, including benches, bucks, lab cars, and vehicles.
  3. Collaborate with software integration teams to bring up core functions and translate software-level requirements into electrical hardware and system requirements.
  4. Apply functional safety principles and participate in safety analyses for complex vehicle subsystems.
  5. Develop and execute comprehensive test plans to validate firmware functionality, stability, robustness, and performance across operating conditions, including low-power modes.

Skills

Required

  • embedded software development
  • device drivers
  • control strategies
  • low-voltage motors
  • actuators
  • sensors
  • lighting systems
  • CAN
  • LIN
  • Automotive Ethernet
  • electrical test equipment
  • oscilloscopes
  • digital multimeters
  • signal generators
  • power supplies
  • embedded networking interface tools
  • systems development
  • vehicle architecture
  • functional safety
  • diagnostics processes
  • component-level test procedures

Nice to have

  • driver development
  • RTOS integration
  • Bazel
  • SCons
  • CMake
  • PCB hardware components
  • Python
  • software design
  • maintainability
  • code quality
  • hardware bring-up
  • system debugging
  • code optimization
  • circuit analysis
  • circuit design

What the JD emphasized

  • safety-critical systems
  • functional safety principles