Brake Controls Software Application Design Engineer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

8h • $99,600 - $192,900 • Hybrid

About The Position

Where Safety Meets Next-Gen Software. Help Us Redefine Vehicle Dynamics for the Electric Era. At Ford, braking is no longer just about stopping a vehicle—it is the foundation of regenerative braking for our cutting-edge EVs, the backbone of active safety for our advanced Driver Assist Technologies (like BlueCruise), and a critical node in our Software-Defined Vehicle architecture. As a Brake Controls Software Application Design Engineer, you won’t just write or manage code; you will be the architect bridging the gap between sophisticated software algorithms and physical vehicle dynamics. You will see the direct impact of your work on the road every single day, keeping millions of drivers safe while delivering an exhilarating driving experience. This is a pivotal role on a quality-driven team where your decisions directly influence vehicle launches, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and advanced vehicle safety. Work under supportive leadership that prioritizes your career trajectory, encourages technical curiosity, and gives you the autonomy to solve complex engineering challenges. You will collaborate across disciplines, working with prototype vehicles, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) simulators, and global suppliers to bring new technologies from concept to production.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 4+ years of hands-on experience in the design or development of chassis or powertrain controls.
• 4+ years of experience navigating software change management processes and delivering high-quality software work packages.
• 4+ years of experience in engineering roles with structured deliverables, milestones, and a proven track record of meeting program timing.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with ISO 26262 (Functional Safety) and quality assurance processes like FMEA.
• Deep understanding of vehicle network communications (e.g., CAN) and experience utilizing digital/analog data acquisition and system analysis tools.
• 2+ years of experience managing technical suppliers, running standup meetings, and presenting technical status to high-level stakeholders.
• A self-starter attitude with a passion for diagnosing vehicle issues, experimenting on test benches, and bringing concept designs to production rapidly.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of Brake Controls software and calibration, managing key milestones, change management, and seamless Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates.
• Act as the technical lead guiding supplier partners through the Ford Global Product Development System (GPDS), leading Software Technical Design Reviews (TDRs), and ensuring ASPICE compliance.
• Support prototype vehicle builds, troubleshoot on Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) simulators, and root-cause complex issues at assembly plants during End-of-Line (EOL) setups.
• Work with advanced cross-module communication systems (including CAN, CS, CMA, E2E, and PARSED) to ensure flawless integration of driver-assist and chassis control features.
• Investigate Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), lead Quality Early Detection (QED) initiatives, and release comprehensive diagnostic specifications to ensure world-class vehicle reliability.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level