Vehicle Controls ECU Platform Functional Safety Architect

Ford • Dearborn, MI

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

We made history and now 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.
In this position, you’ll join an agile team of doers pioneering our EV future by working collaboratively, staying focused on what matters, and delivering excellence day in and day out. We are seeking a highly motivated Vehicle Controls ECU Platform Functional Safety Architect to play a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge vehicle control systems.
The Role Imagine being the architect of the software that powers a vehicle's brain. In this position, you are the mastermind configuring core safety software components to ensure our systems are as reliable as they are efficient. You will drive the development of Functional Safety solutions for Inverter System Controllers (ISC) and Drive Motor Controllers (DMCM), ensuring the safety and excellence of our future EREV, EV, and Hybrid vehicle platforms.
You will dive deep into code to solve complex challenges—from processor resets to memory protection violations—ensuring the powertrain runs smoothly and responds instantly to every driver command.

Requirements

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Embedded C and debugging automotive embedded systems.
• Expert-level knowledge of ISO 26262 and experience with safety-certified MCUs (e.g., Infineon AURIX 2G, NXP S32K, or TI Hercules).
• 2+ years of experience with compilers, makefiles, CI/CD automation, and runtime debuggers.
• Proficiency in Python for automation and testing.

Nice To Haves

• M.S. in EE, ME, or Computer Science.
• Experience with FMEDA and FIT analysis.
• Proven experience with torque monitoring, high-voltage interlocks, or battery management safety.
• Experience managing CPU load distribution in multicore architectures.
• Familiarity with Agile/SAFe methodologies and experience working with supplier technical purchasing interfaces (ESOW, DIA).
• Proficiency with standard OBD tools (DET, CANalyzer, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Apply ISO 26262 (Parts 4, 5, 6, 9) to design, implement, and review safety mechanisms for both in-house and supplier-sourced ECU platforms.
• Configure BSW components (Diagnostics, Watchdog, NVM, MemMap) and define ASIL/QM partitioning to ensure "freedom from interference" across powertrain ECUs.
• Lead the configuration of Memory Protection Units (MPU) and Safety Management Units (SMU) to ensure cross-program commonality and system stability.
• Master low-level troubleshooting of processor resets and software glitches to identify root causes and implement permanent solutions.
• Strategically distribute runnables across multi-core processors to maximize efficiency and minimize latency.
• Support the integration of Software Integration Packages (SIPs) and third-party supplier code into the Ford platform.
• Define and execute Fault Injection Testing (FIT) using HIL and SIL environments to validate diagnostic coverage.
• Author and maintain critical safety documentation, including the ECU Technical Safety Concept (TSC), ECU Software Safety Specification (SSS), and Hardware-Software Interface (HSI).

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