Powertrain Controls Supervisor - Propulsion Controls Software

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

23h • Hybrid

About The Position

In this position, Ford's Propulsion Software and Diagnostics team is looking for a Powertrain Controls Software Supervisor to lead our Propulsive Vehicle Systems, Driver Interface, and Powertrain Thermal Controls Software team. You'll manage a high-performing group of engineers delivering embedded controls software across multiple systems spanning our full vehicle portfolio. This role combines technical leadership, modernization of model-based design tooling, and hands-on ownership of software quality and delivery predictability — with the opportunity to directly shape the customer driving experience and Ford's regulatory compliance posture at scale.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field of study
• 5 years of software development experience, powertrain software preferred
• 2 years of experience supporting critical applications in an "always on" environment
• 6 months of experience leading and mentoring a team of engineers
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills
• Proven ability to manage high-volume, high-predictability technical delivery across customer-facing features, in-field support, and regulatory priorities simultaneously

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field of study
• Demonstrated leadership and collaborative skills working across diverse, interdependent teams spanning thermal, diesel, and powertrain disciplines
• Strong problem-solving skills (G8D, DMAIC)
• Working knowledge of Ford Quality processes and tools
• Working knowledge of GPDS Product Development Milestones and Deliverables
• Experience with data collection, simulation, test automation, and communication systems
• Experience with Ford powertrain tools – Blueprint, UPS, CFX, Unix, Clearcase, Jira, Matlab, Simulink, VS Code, GitHub
• Experience navigating regulatory compliance work (EU7, FMVSS) and model-based design tooling migrations

Responsibilities

• Lead the Propulsive Vehicles Software (PVCSYS), Propulsive Driver Interface (PDISYS), and Powertrain Thermal Software (THMSYS) team within the Propulsion Software and Diagnostics Department
• Own delivery of customer-facing feature logic including cruise control, Grade Assist, Hill Descent Control interaction, Rapid Response mode, and lift-pedal deceleration support across current and upcoming platforms
• Provide in-field and upcoming program support across thermal systems, diesel, powertrain vehicle controls, and diagnostics systems (THMSYS, DIESEL, PVCSYS, PDISYS), ensuring production vehicle quality alongside new feature development
• Direct root cause resolution of complex, interdependent DTC and containment issues, driving systematic diagnosis and lasting fixes rather than short-term patches
• Champion MATLAB/Model-Based Design tooling modernization, leading migration of team software to current MATLAB and MBD tools versions and expanding automated Simulink test coverage
• Lead platform and architecture work spanning plant mode limiters, dyno mode enhancements, secure power mode, and 48V power feature updates across multiple vehicle programs
• Own EU7 and regulatory/AECD deliverables, including AECD reviews for drive modes and active grille shutters, and crank-inhibit-due-to-inducement compliance work
• Manage highly technical staff across multiple engineering disciplines (thermal, diesel, powertrain, vehicle dynamics), fostering a culture of accountability, urgency, and predictable delivery
• Use Jira to triage and prioritize a backlog of work across a large, cross-disciplinary team; maintain strong command of SAFe AGILE delivery metrics (Say/Do ratio, code coverage, bookshelf timeliness, FCP response time)
• Ensure rapid, high-quality response to field-reported issues, keeping response times within target windows and driving zero-gating-issue outcomes ahead of program milestones
• Invest in team development through structured training and mentoring, building capability across a broad range of powertrain and vehicle systems disciplines
• Build and maintain strong working relationships across peer product, integration, and service teams

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: Manager