Feature System Engineer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

21h • $99,600 - $166,600 • Hybrid

About The Position

Ford is seeking a Feature Systems Engineer to architect and develop vehicle features at the systems level, from early concept through production, fusing systems and software engineering to create innovative in-vehicle digital experiences. This role owns the full engineering lifecycle for complex vehicle features—defining network, wiring, and power distribution topologies, authoring specifications and DFMEA/Failure Mode Avoidance documentation, and using Model Based Systems Engineering tools like MATLAB/Simulink and Python to validate control strategies through SiL testing. The ideal candidate will also build and maintain BDD/Gherkin test automation frameworks to ensure requirement-to-test traceability, while championing quality workshops and applying Six Sigma principles to drive continuous design improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• 3+ years of experience in Systems Engineering and/or Software Engineering (preferably automotive).
• 3+years of vehicle electrical systems/features, including electrical module design, networking, wiring, power distribution, body/chassis systems, and vehicle networking protocols (CAN, Ethernet).
• 3+ years of proven cross-functional collaboration resolving software/CAN communication issues; ability to work within Agile teams (Epics, Sagas) and communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• 3+ years of advanced proficiency in Matlab Simulink and strong Python coding skills for scripting/test automation.
• 2+ years of experience with BDD/Gherkin testing frameworks and test automation workflows.
• 3+ years of experience with systems engineering V-model with deep understanding of DFMEA/Failure Mode Avoidance methodologies, quality documentation (Special Characteristics, Boundary Diagrams), and specification/requirements writing.
• 3+ years of experience with training others in simulation/robustness tools and proactively identify system gaps using data-driven approaches.
• 3+ years of Strong systems thinking and analytical skills, with excellent written/verbal communication and resilience under pressure.

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree in relevant engineering field; 5+ years of automotive engineering experience.
• 3+ years of Seat experience in automotive engineering.
• Hands-on experience developing, implementing, and supporting software applications through the full lifecycle (design, architecture, development, testing, integration).
• Electrical D&R/testing experience.
• Functional safety (HARA, Safety Goals, FSRs/TSRs) and cybersecurity (TARA) familiarity.
• Experience with Ford internal tools (FEDE, VSEM, GPDS) and embedded software principles (AUTOSAR).
• Version control experience (Git/GitHub).

Responsibilities

• Architect and develop features at the systems level—from early concept through production—including new features/feature upgrades/migrations, network/wiring/power distribution topologies, schematics, and block diagrams; allocate features to meet cost, quality, and performance targets.
• Develop feature/functional/implementation specifications, DFMEA/Failure Mode Avoidance documentation, verification plans, functional safety assessments, and cybersecurity assessments & mitigations.
• Use Model Based Systems Engineering tools (Python, C++, Matlab, Simulink, Stateflow, Magic Draw) to define logical architectures, develop/execute control strategies, and validate logic via SiL testing before implementation.
• Develop and maintain Behavior Driven Development scripts (Gherkin syntax), create/manage Step Definitions using the Behave package in Python, and ensure requirement-to-test traceability using tools like JAMA and Jira.
• Champion Failure Mode Avoidance/DFMEA workshops; apply 6 Sigma (DMAIC/DFSS) principles; analyze warranty/quality metrics (GQRS, AWS) to drive design improvements.
• Interact with product, program, and core engineering teams; lead trade-off discussions; develop relationships with multi-functional teams and suppliers to identify new technologies and cost/quality opportunities.
• Communicate complex systems, issues, and resolutions clearly and concisely; apply connected data & analytics to build deep customer understanding.
• Serve as a key specialist in next-generation vehicle development, fusing systems and software engineering to create innovative in-vehicle digital experiences; lead design, validation, and optimization of complex vehicle features.

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