Platform Software Engineer

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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)

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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: Entry Level