Senior Hardware Validation Engineer

Ford Ford · Auto · Long Beach, CA +1 · PD Operations and Quality

Senior Hardware Validation Engineer at Ford focusing on developing and maintaining ECU-level test benches, defining V&V strategies, executing automated tests, performing root cause analysis, and optimizing testing methodologies for electric vehicles. Requires expertise in automotive EE architecture, embedded software, communication protocols, HIL platforms, and system-level debugging.

What you'd actually do

  1. Design, build, and maintain complex ECU-level test benches, integrating hardware and software components to create scalable and reliable validation environments.
  2. Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to define and implement comprehensive verification and validation (V&V) plans for automotive hardware and systems.
  3. Design and execute functional, performance, and safety test cases while developing automation scripts and tools to increase testing efficiency and accuracy.
  4. Lead the debugging of complex system issues, working across teams to identify root causes, confirm fixes, and implement strategies to prevent future regressions.
  5. Prepare detailed technical reports for stakeholders and continuously improve testing methodologies and tools to enhance overall effectiveness.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Software Engineering or equivalent
  • 5+ years of experience in automotive or relevant industry
  • Automotive EE architecture, embedded software, control systems
  • CAN, LIN, Ethernet, FlexRay
  • DBC, LDF, and ARXML
  • HIL test platforms (NI Test platforms, dSPACE, or Vector VT)
  • Manual and automated test suites development
  • Software development lifecycle
  • Automotive testing methodologies
  • System-level debugging
  • Root-cause analysis
  • Interpreting wiring schematics, logical diagrams, and harness drawings
  • Define, lead, and drive system validation plans
  • C/C++, Python, MATLAB
  • ISO 26262 safety standards

Nice to have

  • Experience with NI Test platforms, dSPACE, or Vector VT
  • Experience with ISO 26262 safety standards

What the JD emphasized

  • at least 5 years of experience in the automotive or a relevant industry
  • Deep understanding of automotive EE architecture, embedded software, and control systems
  • Proficiency in automotive network protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, FlexRay)
  • Extensive experience operating and maintaining Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test platforms
  • Proven ability to develop and execute both manual and automated test suites
  • Strong skills in system-level debugging and root-cause analysis
  • Demonstrated capability to define, lead, and drive comprehensive system validation plans
  • track record of collaborating with large cross-functional teams
  • familiarity with ISO 26262 safety standards