Embedded Controls Engineer, Body Controls

Ford Motor Company

. Specify, design, and implement software architecture for body controls firmware from prototype bring-up through high-volume production .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timePalo Alto • California • United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in software architecture design and implementation for body controls firmware, with a strong focus on real-time embedded systems and vehicle network protocols. Proficient in developing control algorithms, conducting functional safety analyses, and leading cross-functional teams in hardware and software integration.

Highest-signal resume keywords

C Programming for Embedded SystemsReal-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)Vehicle Network Protocols (CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet)Functional Safety AnalysisHardware Validation and Testing

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

C ProgrammingControl Algorithms DevelopmentLow-Level DebuggingFirmware TestingElectrical Hardware ApplicationsSystems DevelopmentCode OptimizationFunctional SafetyTest Procedure ExecutionDriver Development

Soft Skills

CollaborationLeadershipCommunication

Tools & Technologies

FreeRTOSSafeRTOSOSEK/AUTOSAROscilloscopesDMMsSignal GeneratorsBazelCMakePython Testing ScriptsElectrical Test Equipment

Industry Keywords

Embedded SystemsAutomotive EngineeringMechatronicsVehicle ArchitectureBattery TechnologiesOBD CalibrationNetwork Diagnostics

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

FlashPythonRTOS

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Specify, design, and implement software architecture for body controls firmware from prototype bring-up through high-volume production
Create control and estimation algorithms for body control features including window control, closure systems, and lighting
Lead design and integration of body controls hardware components on electrical test assets such as benches, bucks, labcars, and vehicles
Collaborate with software integration teams to bring up core functions and communicate software-level requirements to electrical hardware and systems teams
Participate in functional safety analyses of complex vehicle subsystems
Develop comprehensive test plans and perform testing to validate firmware functionality, stability, and performance, including low-power modes
Lead body controls feature development cross-functionally with hardware, software, architecture, and other teams
Author feature boundary diagrams and validation strategies
Author subsystem block diagrams and lead subsystem reviews throughout vehicle program development phases
Perform hardware validation and labcar testing
Set up automation frameworks for unit, SIL, and HIL testing

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or equivalent experience with evidence of exceptional ability
3+ years of experience writing clean, efficient, and robust production-grade C code for real-time embedded systems
Strong understanding of coding standards such as MISRA C
Hands-on experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), such as FreeRTOS, SafeRTOS, OSEK/AUTOSAR, and bare-metal embedded software environments
Strong experience in low-level debugging, hardware bring-up, and optimizing code for timing constraints, memory (RAM/Flash) footprint, and low-power modes
3+ years of experience with electrical hardware applications, prototype bring-up, and systems development
3+ years of experience with vehicle network protocols such as CAN, LIN, and Automotive Ethernet
Strong electrical engineering fundamentals and hands-on experience with oscilloscopes, DMMs, signal generators, power supplies, and similar electrical test equipment
3+ years of experience using embedded networking interface tools for automotive, aerospace, or similar fields
Working knowledge of systems development, vehicle architecture, battery technologies, software/hardware tool development, motor calibration technologies, OBD calibration, functional safety, network, and diagnostics processes
Experience creating and executing component-level test procedures and owning all test results
Visa sponsorship is available
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Preferred: experience in driver development and RTOS integration
Preferred: experience with Bazel, Scons, CMake, PCB hardware components and analysis tools, Python testing scripts, software design and maintainability, hardware bring-up, system debugging, code optimization, circuit analysis, and electrical design

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
Fertility treatments
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members
Management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
Generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Paid time off
Option to purchase additional vacation time