Thermal System Firmware Integration Engineer

Ford • Long Beach, CA

10h • Hybrid

About The Position

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

Ford’s Electric Vehicles, Digital and Design (EVDD) team is charged with delivering the company’s vision of a fully electric transportation future. EVDD is customer-obsessed, entrepreneurial, and data-driven and is dedicated to delivering industry-leading customer experience for electric vehicle buyers and owners. You’ll join an agile team of doers pioneering our EV future by working collaboratively, staying focused on only what matters, and delivering excellence day in and day out. Join us to make positive change by helping build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.
In this position...
Ford is seeking an experienced Integration Engineer to be a key contributor to the development of next-generation Thermal Systems. As the automotive industry shifts to highly integrated software defined vehicles, the Thermal System has become a critical cross functional system – managing everything from cabin comfort to the precise thermal regulation of power electronics and high voltage batteries.

In this role, you will bridge the gap between hardware and software. You will not just manage requirements; you will own the domain. You will drive the integration of complex mechatronic devices, architect robust fault-handling logic, and lead hands-on debugging in the lab and on the track. We are looking for a multi-disciplinary problem solver who is comfortable reviewing embedded C code one minute and analyzing fluid dynamics or oscilloscope data the next.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• 3+ years of experience in embedded systems, firmware integration, or systems engineering.
• Strong understanding of mechatronic fundamentals (sensors, actuators, motors) and how they interact with embedded software.
• Proven debugging and diagnostic skills in electrical, mechanical, and software domains.
• Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded targets.
• Experience with automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet).

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering field.
• Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies and workflow management (JIRA, Confluence).
• Proficiency with vector tools (CANalyzer, CANape) or similar calibration/debugging tools.
• Scripting experience for data analysis or test automation (Python, MATLAB).
• Familiarity with functional safety standards (ISO 26262) and risk assessment (FMEA/HARA).
• Knowledge of thermal dynamics, fluid mechanics, or HVAC principles.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical anchor for the Thermal Subsystem (HVAC & Powertrain Thermal), bridging mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines.
• Define and drive the development roadmap for application logic, component controls, and diagnostics.
• Orchestrate the development workflow (Sprint planning, JIRA), ensuring technical risks are identified and eliminated early.
• Lead the selection and integration of new hardware, authoring precise interface requirements for suppliers and internal controls teams.
• Collaborate with control algorithm engineers to optimize system performance and efficiency.
• Negotiate interfaces and behaviors with cross-functional teams (e.g., Infotainment, Powertrain) to ensure a seamless customer experience.
• Design and execute comprehensive pre-merge verification plans to ensure software robustness.
• Conduct hands-on validation using bench setups and vehicle assets, utilizing advanced debugging tools to root-cause complex integration issues.
• Review code (C/C++) and sign off on software releases, maintaining a high standard for code quality and system safety.

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