Platform Prototype Build Engineer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees