Platform Software Engineer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we're all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves? Do you believe data tells the real story? We do! Redefining mobility requires quality data, metrics and analytics, as well as insightful interpreters and analysts. That's where Global Data Insight & Analytics makes an impact. We advise leadership on business conditions, customer needs and the competitive landscape. With our support, key decision makers can act in meaningful, positive ways. Join us and use your data expertise and analytical skills to drive evidence-based, timely decision making. In this position... We are seeking a highly motivated and analytical Cost Optimization Engineer to join our Data Platform team. In this role, you will be responsible for identifying, analyzing, and implementing cost-saving strategies across our data platform, which is hosted in GCP. You will work closely with engineering, operations, and architecture teams to understand resource utilization, identify inefficiencies, and develop solutions to optimize cloud spending. A strong understanding and experience of any major cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP is essential, as you will be analyzing cloud billing data, recommending infrastructure changes, automating cost management processes, and ensuring adherence to cloud cost optimization best practices. Excellent problem-solving skills are crucial, as you will be tackling complex challenges related to cloud resource allocation and cost management. Your goal will be to maximize the value of our cloud investment while maintaining the performance, reliability, and security of our Data Platform. A Platform Software Engineer is a versatile developer with expertise in Java or Python and a strong foundation in cloud platforms to build and manage applications at scale. Generally, platform engineers fall into two categories: backend engineers, who design and implement microservices with robust APIs, and full-stack engineers, who deliver native UI/UX solutions, and ability to develop frameworks and service to enable an enterprise data platform. With a solid understanding of the SDLC and hands-on experience in Git and CI/CD, platform engineers can independently design, code, test, and release features to production efficiently.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Software Engineer
• Proficient in Java, angular or any technology with experience in designing and deploying cloud-based data pipelines and microservices using GCP tools like BigQuery, Dataflow, and Dataproc.
• Ability to leverage best in-class data platform technologies to deliver platform features, and design & orchestrate platform services to deliver data platform capabilities.
• Service-Oriented Architecture and Microservices: Strong understanding of SOA, microservices, and their application within a cloud data platform context. Develop robust, scalable services using Java Spring Boot, Python, Angular, and GCP technologies.
• Full-Stack Development: Knowledge of front-end and back-end technologies, enabling collaboration on data access and visualization layers (e.g., React, Node.js). Design and develop RESTful APIs for seamless integration across platform services. Implement robust unit and functional tests to maintain high standards of test coverage and quality.
• Database Management: Experience with relational (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL databases, as well as columnar databases like BigQuery. SQL skills, including query optimization and data manipulation.
• Data Governance and Security: Understanding of data governance frameworks and implementing RBAC, encryption, and data masking in cloud environments.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform, and automation frameworks.
• Manage code changes with GitHub and troubleshoot and resolve application defects efficiently. Ensure adherence to SDLC best practices, independently managing feature design, coding, testing, and production releases.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex data platform and microservices issues.
• Certifications (Preferred): GCP Data Engineer, GCP Professional Cloud

Responsibilities

• Design and Build Data Pipelines: Architect, develop, and maintain scalable data pipelines and microservices that support real-time and batch processing on GCP.
• Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and Microservices: Design and implement SOA and microservices-based architectures to ensure modular, flexible, and maintainable data solutions.
• Full-Stack Integration: Leverage your full-stack expertise to contribute to the seamless integration of front-end and back-end components, ensuring robust data access and UI-driven data exploration.
• Data Ingestion and Integration: Lead the ingestion and integration of data from various sources into the data platform, ensuring data is standardized and optimized for analytics.
• GCP Data Solutions: Utilize GCP services (BigQuery, Dataflow, Pub/Sub, Cloud Functions, etc.) to build and manage data platforms that meet business needs.
• Data Governance and Security: Implement and manage data governance, access controls, and security best practices while leveraging GCP's native row- and column-level security features.
• Performance Optimization: Continuously monitor and improve the performance, scalability, and efficiency of data pipelines and storage solutions.
• Collaboration and Best Practices: Work closely with data architects, software engineers, and cross-functional teams to define best practices, design patterns, and frameworks for cloud data engineering.
• Automation and Reliability: Automate data platform processes to enhance reliability, reduce manual intervention, and improve operational efficiency.

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