Platform Software Engineer

Platform Software Engineer

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

Ford’s Electric Vehicles, Digital and Design (EVDD) team is charged with delivering the company’s vision of a fully electric transportation future. EVDD is customer-obsessed, entrepreneurial, and data-driven and is dedicated to delivering industry-leading customer experience for electric vehicle buyers and owners. You’ll join an agile team of doers pioneering our EV future by working collaboratively, staying focused on only what matters, and delivering excellence day in and day out. Join us to make positive change by helping build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.

In this position...

You will develop C language-based software designs for Ford Electrified Powertrains.  The scope of software platform design includes Board Support Packages that support system control and coordination of related hybrid sub-systems; regenerative brakes, high-voltage battery, transaxle motor and generator, engine torque and engine power management.  

What you'll do...

Real-Time Embedded Software Design

Develop and implement real-time embedded software for hybrid vehicle controllers, incorporating knowledge of microprocessor architecture, low-level drivers, and Board Support packages. Ensure that each system can manage functions such as regenerative braking, battery management, and motor control with precise, real-time response. Design software that aligns with real-time operating system (RTOS) requirements for optimal performance, secure access control, and quick response times.

Cybersecurity Integration

Apply advanced cybersecurity methods, including secure boot, software signing, and cryptographic protocols to protect vehicle control software. Integrate message authentication techniques within Controller Area Network (CAN) systems, ensuring data integrity and secure communication between control units.

Secure Boot and Boot Loader Security

Implement secure boot methods to verify the integrity of software during startup, using digital signatures to ensure only trusted code is executed on vehicle controllers.

Message Authentication & Data Integrity

Integrate message authentication protocols (such as CAN Message Authentication) into vehicle systems to verify communication authenticity and prevent unauthorized data manipulation in real-time. This involves securing the CAN protocols widely used in hybrid and electric vehicle systems.

Over-the-Air (OTA) Security

Configure secure over-the-air (OTA) software updates to maintain software integrity within the vehicle’s Hybrid Control Unit (HCU). Develop and implement secure channels for OTA updates using encryption and verification protocols to protect against unauthorized firmware changes.

Threat Modeling and Vulnerability Analysis

Conduct threat modeling and vulnerability assessments for hybrid and electric vehicle software platforms to identify potential security weaknesses. Apply penetration testing techniques and risk assessment frameworks to analyze vulnerabilities in real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded software, ensuring compliance with automotive cybersecurity standards like ISO/SAE.

Software Requirements and Design

Interpret and implement requirements using C programming to develop core platform software for real-time control systems in hybrid and electric vehicles. Focus on secure data transmission, OTA flash functionality, and both low- and high-level driver integration. Integrate and configure tools for over-the-air flash updates and CAN message authentication, ensuring compliance with network operating systems and corporate standards like VBF file formats. Complete all multiplex compliance testing to verify CAN protocol functionality and message integrity.

Supplier Interface

Consult with suppliers regarding Primary Boot Loader and secondary bootloader requirements.  Consult with suppliers regarding requirements for Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) and Keep-alive memory (KAM).  Perform testing of supplied controller boards.  Ensure calibration development tools are integrated with control unit.  Maintain RTOS requirements for HCU.  Complete hardware interface design reviews with eDrive department and suppliers.

You'll have...

• BS in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or  Computer Science or related field or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

• 2+ years of experience in real-time embedded control software and design experience including C Programming language, ETAS RTOS, and associated board support packages. ( Co-ops, internships, classwork included) 

• 2+ years experience with microprocessor architectures and associated low level drivers. ( Co-ops, internships, classwork included) 

Even better, you may have...

• MS  in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or  Computer Science

• Experience with calibration development tools, especially ATI emulators preferred

• Experience with Infineon Aurix microcontroller architecture preferred.

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 grades 6 -8 and ranges from $83,280-190,500.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: 

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. #LI-Hybrid

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