Software & Embedded Engineering (Talent Pipeline) - Early Career Program, Advanced EV

Ford Motor Company • Palo Alto, CA

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

Ford Motor Company is recruiting candidates for a 6-month Early Career Program with its Advanced EV Development (ADVEV) team and Electric Vehicle software organization. This is a talent pipeline requisition: applicants may be considered for multiple openings, with team and project assignments matched to their skills and interests and confirmed during selection. The program offers hands-on experience working with engineering, design, and software teams on electric vehicles and technologies including batteries, charging, and recycling.

The role is based in Palo Alto or Long Beach, California, or Dearborn, Michigan. Candidates are expected to work onsite four or more days per week. The program is scheduled to begin as early as March 2027 and lasts six months, though some placements may be shorter. Some roles may require travel to test locations or a valid driver's license for vehicle testing; details will be confirmed during selection. Eligible candidates who live more than 50 miles from a local office and are assigned to an eligible team may receive a $5,000 pre-tax commute or relocation stipend.

Participants will contribute to software and embedded engineering work, potentially designing and debugging production-quality software, developing automated tests, and integrating software and hardware on test benches and prototype vehicles. They will work collaboratively across engineering disciplines, analyze test and vehicle data, and document and communicate their findings. Ford describes the program as an opportunity to contribute to significant projects and develop skills for future career pursuits. Visa sponsorship is unavailable; candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Coursework, project, or internship experience in programming, such as C/C++, Rust, Python, Java, or MATLAB/Simulink.
• Strong fundamentals in software, embedded systems, or controls, such as data structures, algorithms, operating systems, and control systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills and eagerness to learn in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams and communicate technical ideas clearly.
• Curiosity about automotive technology, embedded systems, and electric vehicles.
• Availability for the full six-month program.
• Some roles may require travel to test locations or a valid driver's license for vehicle testing; requirements will be confirmed during selection.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with embedded Linux, middleware, Rust, or real-time embedded C.
• Experience with automotive communication protocols and diagnostics, including CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, or UDS.
• Experience with device drivers such as WiFi or Bluetooth; microcontroller peripherals such as ADC, GPIO, PWM, or SPI; or sensors and signal processing.
• Experience with Human-Machine Interface (HMI) development or software system integration.
• Experience with cloud software, Git, Linux, CI/CD, containers, or automated testing.
• Familiarity with HIL or simulation tools such as dSPACE, NI, Vector CANoe/CANalyzer/CANape, or ecu.test.
• Knowledge of control theory or vehicle dynamics, or experience with thermal systems.
• Experience using data or fleet data to inform engineering decisions.
• Student-team or project experience, such as Formula SAE, robotics, IoT, or personal projects.
• Comfort using AI-assisted coding tools responsibly in a learning-focused workflow.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and debug production-quality software, including embedded C, Rust or C++ services, and Python tools.
• Translate system and software requirements into designs, code, and test cases.
• Develop unit, integration, software-in-the-loop (SIL), and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests, including test automation and CI/CD tooling.
• Integrate, bring up, and troubleshoot software and hardware on test benches and prototype vehicles.
• Analyze test and vehicle data, and share findings and recommendations.
• Collaborate in an agile team with software, firmware, electrical, mechanical, controls, and systems engineers.
• Document work and share results with the team.

Benefits

• Eligible candidates assigned to an eligible team who live more than 50 miles from a local office may receive a $5,000 pre-tax commute or relocation stipend.
• Hands-on experience and opportunities to develop skills for future career pursuits.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level