Platform Prototype Build Engineer

In this position…

The Opportunity: Build the Future, Don’t Just Verify It.   We are forming a brand-new team to lead the deployment of Ford’s Next-Generation Electrical Architecture. Operating out of the new Ford Road Office—alongside the expanding VISE and HIL labs—this team is the central nervous system for our new platform.

We are pulling testing ahead of the curve, bridging the gap between foundational hardware and advanced software integration. This is a ground-floor opportunity to define how Ford prototypes and integrates complex architectures. You won’t just be following a process; you will be helping to invent it.

What you'll do…

We are looking for a "Technical Diplomat" and "First Responder." You will sit at the intersection of VEV Breadboard teams, Functional Engineering, Feature owners, and V&V HIL teams. Your job is to synthesize these diverse inputs into a coherent, rapid-iteration build plan.

•    Orchestrate the Build: Serve as the single point of contact for the Platform Breadboards and Prototypes. You will manage the convergence of hardware and software under the new architecture, ensuring rapid iterations despite high complexity.
•    Engineer Solutions (ICAs): When the architecture "breaks"—and it will—you are the first line of defense. You will analyze data logs, interpret defects, and engineer Interim Containment Actions (ICAs) to keep the testing momentum going while guiding D&R teams toward permanent fixes.
•    Stakeholder Management: This project has high visibility and "many masters." You will navigate conflicting priorities between timeline pressures and technical realities, negotiating solutions that satisfy senior leadership and technical teams alike.
•    System-Level Integration: Move beyond the silo. You will gain a full-vehicle understanding, integrating work from Body, Chassis, Infotainment, and ADAS into a functioning whole.
•    Drive Root Cause: Identify, communicate, track, and drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for engineering issues from all sources using Jira.

You'll have…

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science or related field
• 2+ years of automotive Prototype, PMT, Program Management, Design & Release, Software Development, or Systems Integration.
• Experience with Ford systems (JIRA, WERS, FEDE) is preferred, but the ability to learn fast is required.
• Rapid Problem Solving: Ability to troubleshoot complex electrical/software issues on the fly. You are comfortable with ambiguity and can make decisions with incomplete data.
• High-Stakes Communication: Proven ability to manage "hot" issues. You can deliver bad news constructively, propose solutions immediately, and maintain trust with cross-functional partners (VO, MP&L, Purchasing) under pressure.
• Self-Direction: Since this is a new team, we need builders. You must be able to identify process gaps and create the controls to fix them.
  

Even better, you may have…

• Lab/Tool Proficiency: Experience utilizing CAN Tools (Vector CANalyzer/CANoe, etc.) for vehicle troubleshooting, flashing, and configuring software.
• Holistic Mindset: A desire to understand the "Why" and "How" of the entire vehicle architecture, not just a single component.
• Wiring/Schematics: EDS (wiring) Design – ability to read/understand wire harness prints and relationship to schematics and device transmittals.
• Environment: Familiarity with HIL/VISE environments is a plus.
  

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service 
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day 
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time. 

This position is a salary grade 5 to salary grade 8 and ranges from $63,480-162,120.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here:

https://fordcareers.co/GSR

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. 

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