Software Release Systems Engineer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

1d • $99,600 - $166,600 • Hybrid

About The Position

As a member of the Systems Engineering team for Vehicle Software Updates, the Software Release Systems Engineer serves as a technical linchpin, driving end-to-end delivery of robust software release solutions across multiple deployment environments. The role is responsible for system architectural integrity, from initial requirement decomposition through vehicle validation and field support.

The engineer provides technical leadership throughout the Vehicle Software Update delivery cycle, owns system-level design and architecture, develops and manages technical specifications, and works with engineering, supplier, cloud, and systems partners. The position also supports prototype development and validation, approves test plans, conducts vehicle testing, monitors requirement fulfillment, leads issue triage and failure analysis, and participates in technical reviews and project presentations.

The position is hybrid and requires onsite attendance four or more days per week. It is salary grade 7, with a stated salary range of $99,600–$166,600. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, or Systems Engineering, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in system-level design within complex environments.
• At least 2 years of direct experience with vehicle software release processes (OTA, Service, or Manufacturing) or networked embedded systems.
• At least 2 years of direct experience with developer operations pipelines, software release management processes, and/or embedded software deployment systems.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility will be verified at hire.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
• Deep familiarity with modern software development practices.
• Proven ability to systematically resolve complex technical issues under pressure.
• Understanding of software engineering best practices, including coding standards, Git/source control management, build processes, and full-lifecycle testing and operations.
• At least 2 years of experience with automotive communication protocols, specifically CAN and Ethernet.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership throughout the Vehicle Software Update delivery cycle and ensure milestones are met with high-quality engineering standards.
• Own system-level design and define the overarching architecture.
• Decompose high-level requirements into logical component responsibilities and define integration points between vehicle nodes and cloud components.
• Author, release, and manage detailed technical specifications in JAMA as the system's single source of truth.
• Communicate and explain complex requirements to D&R engineers, suppliers, Cloud Operations, and Systems teams.
• Perform early-stage bring-up and prototype proofs-of-concept to support incremental sprint deliveries and validate design assumptions.
• Approve the correctness and completeness of test plans and take accountability for the solution.
• Conduct physical vehicle testing using CAN, Ethernet, and other diagnostic tools to verify software update functionality.
• Monitor requirement fulfillment and track development deviations.
• Lead issue triage and support conformance, system, and service testers, as well as field deployment teams.
• Analyze complex system failures, identify root causes, and define and implement resolution and prevention strategies.
• Facilitate and participate in Technical Design Reviews, project meetings, and high-level presentations for business and technical audiences.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up child care.
• Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• Vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including time between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior