Product Development Engineer

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

In this position, Ford is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Software Design & Release Engineer to join our innovative Power Supply & Energy Management organization. In this critical role, you will be responsible for the design, development, integration, testing, and release of embedded software for intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) LIN Sensors that monitor and manage 12V and 48V battery systems within Ford's next-generation vehicles. This position demands a strong understanding of embedded software development, Local Interconnect Network (LIN) communication protocols, intelligent sensor technologies, battery state estimation (SOC, SOH, SOP), functional safety, and cybersecurity. You will collaborate with our core software team during the software product lifecycle from concept to production, working closely with cross-functional teams and external suppliers to deliver world-class smart sensor software for critical energy management systems. You will manage the entire software lifecycle for BMS LIN Sensor modules, ensuring that all software implementations meet Ford's stringent functional, cybersecurity, and quality standards, and are delivered on time to support key program milestones. This position requires a deep understanding of automotive power supply architectures and robust automotive software development and delivery processes.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• 3+ years of experience in embedded software development and delivery within the automotive industry.
• 3+ years of a strong understanding of automotive software development processes, including familiarity with ASPICE and ISO 26262.
• 3+ years of demonstrated knowledge of automotive communication protocols, with specific expertise in LIN (Local Interconnect Network) and associated network management.
• 3+ years of experience working with automotive suppliers on software development projects.
• 3+ years of an understanding of cybersecurity principles as applied to automotive embedded systems and smart sensors.

Nice To Haves

• Excellent problem-solving skills and experience with Root Cause Analysis (RCA) methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field
• Direct experience with battery state estimation algorithms (SOC, SOH, SOP) for 12V or 48V energy storage systems
• Hands-on experience with Vector tools (CANoe, CANalyzer, CANape) for LIN/CAN network analysis, simulation, and diagnostics
• Experience with automotive cybersecurity standards (e.g., ISO/SAE 21434) and secure software development lifecycle practices
• Working knowledge of AUTOSAR architecture, particularly as it relates to LIN network management and diagnostic communication (UDS, DTCs)
• Familiarity with functional safety development per ISO 26262, including hazard analysis, safety case documentation, and ASIL-rated software requirements
• Experience with low-voltage (12V/48V) power architectures, smart battery sensors, or energy management systems in a production vehicle environment
• Prior experience managing multiple suppliers concurrently across global program timelines
• Experience with bench and HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) testing environments for embedded automotive software validation

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and release of embedded software for BMS LIN Sensor components, collaborating closely with external suppliers.
• Translate Ford's functional, performance, diagnostic, cybersecurity, safety, and quality requirements into clear and actionable software specifications for intelligent sensor suppliers.
• Act as the primary technical interface for software-related topics between Ford and supplier engineering teams, fostering strong partnerships.
• Review and approve supplier software designs, architectures, test plans, and validation reports to ensure compliance with Ford standards and industry best practices (e.g., ASPICE, ISO 26262).
• Monitor supplier software development progress, track key performance indicators, and manage deliverables to ensure adherence to program timelines and quality gates.
• Facilitate efficient resolution of technical issues and defects during all phases of the software development lifecycle, including root cause analysis and corrective action implementation for complex LIN communication or sensor accuracy issues.
• Ensure rigorous software validation and verification activities are conducted, supporting both bench-level LIN network testing and vehicle-level integration.
• Support vehicle integration and testing efforts for BMS LIN Sensors, troubleshooting software, diagnostic, and network-related issues as they arise.
• Participate in cross-functional team meetings, design reviews, FMEAs, and other quality-related processes to ensure robust product development.
• Demonstrate an understanding of intelligent battery sensing fundamentals (voltage, current, and temperature measurement) and low-voltage (12V/48V) energy management requirements.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in automotive software, smart sensors, and LIN network architectures.

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: Senior