Tpp Application Engineer - Program Manager

Ford Ford · Auto · Dearborn, MI +1

This role is for an Application Engineer - Program Manager at Ford, focusing on the Technology Platform Programs (TPP) team. The position involves supporting the application, integration, and validation of vehicle electrical architecture and software platforms for specific vehicle programs. Responsibilities include representing the Tech Platform in vehicle program forums, championing complexity control, supporting delivery of vehicle programs and OTA updates, driving architecture and strategy changes, managing communication of changes and costs, partnering with vehicle programs for enterprise solutions, driving quality focus and cost opportunities, executing technology migration plans, managing platform timelines and risks, and executing tasks related to vehicle program deliverables. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a technical field, 5+ years of experience in product development or systems engineering, and a basic understanding of vehicle electrical architectures and software integration.

What you'd actually do

  1. Represent the Tech Platform in Vehicle Program forums, and represent the interests of Vehicle Programs in platform efforts
  2. Championing complexity control within program content and cross carlines
  3. Support delivery of vehicle programs, OTA updates, and quality actions
  4. Driving architecture and strategy changes through the cross-functional teams and throughout the lifecycle of the Programs
  5. Managing communication of all changes, cost, investment, and adherence to feature/hardware bundle requirements through standard scorecards.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 5+ years of experience in product development, systems engineering, or electrical/software integration, preferably within the automotive industry.
  • Basic understanding of vehicle electrical architectures, software integration principles, and overall system design.
  • Proficiency in identifying and escalating technical issues and risks within complex systems.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively within a team.
  • Familiarity with common engineering tools and software (e.g., Jira, Integrator, or similar project management/issue tracking systems).
  • Ability to collaborate and connect cross-functionally
  • Tenacity and a willingness to work in evolving states of ambiguity

Nice to have

  • Experience with vehicle product development lifecycle (e.g., GPDS, FPDS).
  • Familiarity with specific automotive domains such as ADAS, infotainment, body controls, or powertrain controls.
  • Understanding of hardware/software interfaces and system dependencies.
  • Prior experience supporting vehicle program launch activities or post-launch issue resolution.
  • Basic knowledge of quality assurance processes and system performance metrics.
  • Experience with business analysis methods (TARR, NPV) supporting cost / benefit analysis