Service Function Diagnostics Engineer

Ford Ford · Auto · Allen Park, MI +1 · Marketing & Sales

This role focuses on developing and validating diagnostic service routines for vehicles using OTX standards, integrating with product development, and resolving field issues. It involves analyzing CAN data, implementing module diagnostics, and managing the delivery of service information for new vehicle programs, ensuring global dealer networks can correctly diagnose and repair vehicles.

What you'd actually do

  1. OTX Development: Author and develop global Body/Chassis/Electrical (BCE) service routines using Open Test Exchange (OTX) standards, incorporating Java coding where appropriate.
  2. Requirements Integration: Interface directly with Product Engineering to interpret new system requirements and implement robust, reliable diagnostic routines.
  3. Data & Protocol Management: Analyze and manage Controller Area Network (CAN) data to support application development, testing, and debugging.
  4. Module Diagnostics: Implement Module Diagnostic Identifiers (DIDs) to support datalogger functionality as a primary diagnostic solution.
  5. Testing & Validation: Validate diagnostic solutions using both software-in-the-loop simulation and hands-on, physical on-vehicle validation.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
  • 3+ years of experience in vehicle diagnostics, automotive electrical systems engineering, or software development.
  • 2+ years of experience using the Grade-X OTX Editor for diagnostic content authoring.
  • 2+ years of experience with vehicle electrical architectures and communication protocols (CAN, LIN, DoIP).
  • 2+ years of experience managing technical projects from initial concept/ideation through to final field implementation.
  • 2+ years of experience with analytical and structured problem-solving capabilities using methodologies such as Fishbone, 5-Why, and 8D.

Nice to have

  • Master’s degree in computer engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
  • Relevant automotive engineering or software certifications are a plus
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience using Ford Scan Tools, specifically the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) and Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS), including module programming functions.
  • Familiarity with standard software development environments (e.g., Python, C#, Java, C++) and solid understanding of basic programming constructs (e.g., Boolean variables, loops, functions, XML data structures).
  • Ability to perform physical, hands-on, on-vehicle diagnostic testing and validation in engineering garages or vehicle environments (requires physical mobility to access vehicle cabins, under-hood, and under-dash areas).

What the JD emphasized

  • authoring and repurposing Open Test Exchange (OTX) service functions
  • validate diagnostic solutions using software-in-the-loop simulations and hands-on, physical on-vehicle testing
  • resolve field issues with high urgency
  • ensure our global dealer network can diagnose and repair vehicles correctly the first time
  • implement robust, reliable diagnostic routines
  • resolve system issues and anomalies
  • troubleshoot, and resolve critical diagnostic issues in the field with a high sense of urgency
  • manage the quality, on-time development, and delivery of service information