Staff Digital Key Software Engineer

Ford Motor Company

. Own implementation of components of the vehicle access authentication path, including transaction authorization, lock/unlock, start authorization, and remote functions across Digital Key and Key Card .

Posted 9/25/2026full-timePalo Alto • California • United StatesLead💰 $150,200 - $283,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and implementing embedded software for Vehicle Access systems, with a strong focus on Digital Key and Key Card technologies. Proficient in utilizing communication technologies such as Bluetooth, UWB, NFC, and RF, while adhering to industry standards and safety protocols.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Embedded C ProgrammingPython Scripting and AutomationVehicle Access Systems DevelopmentCar Connectivity Consortium StandardsAI-Assisted Development Tools

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Embedded Software DevelopmentReal-Time Embedded SystemsBluetooth CommunicationUltra-Wideband TechnologyNFC TechnologyRF CommunicationSoftware Architecture DesignVehicle Integration and DebuggingAutomotive Safety StandardsCybersecurity Concepts

Soft Skills

CollaborationProblem-SolvingOwnership and Accountability

Tools & Technologies

VS Code CopilotClaude CodeAutomotive EthernetCAN ProtocolISO 26262ASPICEMISRA

Industry Keywords

Automotive Software DevelopmentVehicle Access AuthenticationDigital Key TechnologyKey Card AuthenticationBody Control Modules

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber SecurityLinuxPythonRTOS

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own implementation of components of the vehicle access authentication path, including transaction authorization, lock/unlock, start authorization, and remote functions across Digital Key and Key Card
Architect and develop embedded software for Vehicle Access systems running on ECUs and real-time embedded platforms
Design, implement, and maintain Digital Key functionality based on Car Connectivity Consortium standards and Key Card authentication flows
Develop vehicle access features using Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband, NFC, and RF communication technologies
Collaborate with systems, hardware, validation, cybersecurity, and mobile application teams on end-to-end vehicle access solutions
Write and enhance embedded software in C, using Python for automation, testing, and validation
Define software architecture, interfaces, and communication frameworks between vehicle systems, key credentials, and external devices
Support vehicle integration, debugging, and bring-up on prototype and production vehicles
Diagnose complex software, connectivity, and RF-related issues across vehicle and mobile ecosystems
Use AI-assisted development tools for coding, code review, debugging, documentation, and test-case generation while validating output against automotive safety, security, and coding standards

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
8+ years of professional experience developing embedded software
Strong proficiency in Embedded C programming
Strong Python scripting and automation experience
Hands-on experience with complex embedded software projects, such as Vehicle Access systems, Digital Key, or Key Card technologies
Experience working with complex industry standards, such as Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) standards
Understanding of Bluetooth, UWB, NFC, RF communication, and wireless connectivity architectures
Experience developing software for automotive ECUs and embedded real-time systems
Ability to own a system end-to-end, from architecture through post-launch support, with minimal supervision
Experience using AI-assisted development tools such as VS Code Copilot or Claude Code, with responsible validation of AI-generated output
Automotive experience implementing CCC Digital Key vehicle access technology and/or Key Card authentication systems
Experience developing software for Body Control Modules (BCM) or Vehicle Access ECUs
Knowledge of cybersecurity concepts related to vehicle access, transaction authorization, and secure authentication
Familiarity with CAN, Automotive Ethernet, diagnostics, and vehicle communication protocols
Experience with vehicle integration, validation, and launch activities
Understanding of embedded Linux and RTOS-based systems
Familiarity with ISO 26262, ASPICE, MISRA, or automotive software development processes
Experience establishing or contributing to guidelines for safe and efficient use of AI coding assistants in safety-critical or regulated software environments
Must be 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
Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
Fertility treatments
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members
Management leases
Tuition assistance
Employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
Paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Paid time off
Option to purchase additional vacation time
Visa sponsorship available