Chassis ECU D&R Engineer

Ford Motor • Allen Park, MI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Ford Racing is seeking an experienced controls engineer to deliver semi-active suspension and chassis controls software and ECUs across multiple programs. The role manages embedded controls software and ECUs from Pre-PS through OPD for Ford Racing applications and collaborates with powertrain, chassis, architecture, and digital performance feature teams. The engineer will help shape Ford Racing’s growth, people, and products while working across automotive technologies, systems, and components.

The position leads the design and implementation of chassis controls hardware and software on the vehicle dynamics module (VDM), which controls Ford Racing off-road semi-active suspensions. It includes developing and expanding VDM hardware and software for new suspension technologies, managing suppliers and program deliverables, and ensuring system quality, cost, timing, and readiness. The role also develops component and vehicle test methodologies, including SIL/HIL methods, and validates hardware and software under normal, extreme, and faulted conditions. This is a hybrid position requiring onsite work four or more days per week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering; equivalent experience demonstrating exceptional ability may also qualify.
• At least 6 years of relevant experience in ECU design and release (D&R).
• High proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink modeling.
• Proficiency in embedded systems and microcontrollers.
• Knowledge of electrical engineering fundamentals, including circuit analysis and design.
• Highly collaborative mindset and strong communication skills.
• Experience with JIRA/Confluence or a similar system for tracking inputs and results.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of semi-active damper technology, including solenoid controls, internal bypass dampers, and CCD dampers.
• Working knowledge of mechatronic chassis devices, such as steering and brake controls.
• Demonstrated experience in supplier management, cost negotiation, launch, GPDS Pre-UNV0 to OKTB delivery, and global program delivery.
• Experience with FMEA and related quality-assurance processes.
• Self-starter able to learn new tools, find solutions, and troubleshoot and fix vehicle problems.
• Outstanding leadership and communication skills.
• Familiarity with digital and analog data-acquisition systems.
• Awareness of or experience with ISO 26262.
• Experience in early prototype development.
• Experience with in-vehicle software integration and testing.
• Experience with Embedded Coder code generation.
• Experience in powertrain controls or chassis controls.
• Experience with Ford Networked Vehicle (FNV) architecture.
• Experience with Ford and Vector diagnostic software, including DET, CANalyzer, and CANape.
• Experience with fundamental PCB hardware components and their analysis tools.
• Fluency in software fundamentals, including software design and maintainability.
• Hands-on experience in hardware bring-up and system debugging.
• Working knowledge of the Ford Platform Software Release process.

Responsibilities

• Design and release VDM control modules, sensors, and brackets, owning all deliverables associated with the systems.
• Guide supplier partners through the Ford Global Product Development System (GPDS) process.
• Perform Failure Mode Avoidance and Functional Safety analyses to identify potential failure modes and develop prevention strategies.
• Work with the chassis controls Technical Specialist and Vehicle Dynamics team to establish requirements for advanced suspension control systems and emerging technologies.
• Coordinate with Electrical, Powertrain, Vehicle Operations, and Vehicle Program teams to define and support vehicle interfaces.
• Support component and vehicle testing, rig testing, and Hardware-in-the-Loop simulations to demonstrate system functionality.
• Manage system quality, cost, and timing to ensure high-quality program deliverables.
• Lead design and implementation of chassis controls hardware and software on the vehicle dynamics module controlling Ford Racing off-road semi-active suspensions.
• Identify reusable strategies from Ford in-house hardware and software to accelerate Ford Racing algorithm development.
• Develop software strategies using Ford and Ford Racing in-house resources as well as outside resources.
• Expand Ford Racing VDM hardware and software to control new semi-active suspension hardware, including stabilizer bars and new damper technology.
• Resolve ambiguity in requirements, specifications, and designs.
• Develop and implement software and hardware component testing methodologies to ensure maturity, stability, and release readiness.
• Develop SIL/HIL testing methods for Ford Racing modules, including use of hardware debuggers.
• Develop comprehensive test plans and perform testing to validate EMC and environmental performance as well as firmware functionality, stability, and performance under normal, extreme, and faulted conditions.
• Apply hands-on hardware and systems integration knowledge.
• Work with ECU manufacturing and testing.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up child care.
• Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• Generous vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

What This Job Offers

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