Manager, System Software Validation – Verification

Ford Motor Company

. Define and lead the system-level validation strategy for embedded software and vehicle systems from early development through program release .

Posted 10/10/2026full-timePalo Alto • California • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $150,200 - $283,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in defining and leading system-level validation strategies for embedded software and vehicle systems, with a strong focus on requirements traceability, test coverage, and integration across various domains. Proven ability to mentor engineers, manage validation schedules, and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

System-Level Validation StrategyAutomotive Systems ExperienceEmbedded Software KnowledgeTest Automation and ExecutionAutomotive SPICE and ISO 26262 Familiarity

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Requirements TraceabilityTest Coverage AnalysisSystem-Level TestingDefect TriageAutomated Test ExecutionHIL Platform TestingControl Systems UnderstandingElectrical Schematics InterpretationRegression TestingCross-Domain Integration

Soft Skills

Collaboration SkillsCommunication SkillsMentoring AbilityLeadership SkillsContinuous Improvement Mindset

Tools & Technologies

VectorDSPACECANLINEthernetFlexRayDBCLDFARXMLContinuous Integration Workflows

Industry Keywords

Automotive ValidationEmbedded SoftwareVehicle E/E ArchitectureValidation Gaps IdentificationAcceptance TestingSafety ProcessesCustomer-Specific Validation RequirementsProgram Milestones ManagementRoot-Cause AnalysisQuality and Safety Standards

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and lead the system-level validation strategy for embedded software and vehicle systems from early development through program release
Own the system-level test and validation plan, aligning requirements, risks, program objectives, and timing
Establish requirements traceability, test coverage, and clear acceptance criteria with systems, feature, software, and attribute owners
Identify validation gaps and ensure test plans, test cases, and scripts address functional and non-functional requirements
Lead validation across integrated systems, ECUs, software, interfaces, and vehicle domains
Oversee integration, system, and acceptance testing across system boundaries and operating conditions
Coordinate test resources, environments, and schedules to meet program milestones
Document and communicate test results, risks, and release-readiness assessments
Lead cross-functional investigations, root-cause analysis, fix verification, and regression-prevention actions
Analyze test results and provide actionable feedback to development teams
Establish and monitor metrics for test coverage, execution, defect trends, and validation effectiveness
Lead, mentor, and develop validation and verification engineers; assign work based on priorities and development needs
Manage customer validation requirements and present progress, results, and risks to senior leaders and stakeholders
Foster accountability, continuous improvement, innovation, quality, and safety

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field
12+ years of experience in automotive systems, embedded software, or system validation
Experience leading or mentoring engineers and managing competing program priorities
Strong collaboration and communication skills across hardware, software, systems engineering, and program teams
Experience defining and delivering system-level validation strategies from concept through production
Experience managing validation schedules, resources, or lab capacity
Familiarity with vehicle testing standards and customer-specific validation requirements
Strong understanding of vehicle E/E architecture, embedded software, control systems, and cross-domain integration
Experience with system-level testing across benches, HIL platforms, and vehicles; familiarity with Vector or dSPACE
Knowledge of automotive networks and formats including CAN, LIN, Ethernet, FlexRay, DBC, LDF, and ARXML
Experience developing, reviewing, or guiding automated and manual test execution, including smoke and regression testing
Experience with test automation, requirements traceability, defect triage, and system-level debugging
Ability to interpret electrical and logical schematics, network diagrams, and wiring or harness drawings
Working knowledge of Automotive SPICE, ISO 26262, or other applicable development and safety processes
Experience integrating validation and regression testing into continuous integration workflows
Legally authorized to work in the United States

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 and fertility treatments
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
Visa sponsorship available