Staff Embedded Controls Engineer – Thermal

Ford Motor Company

. Create control/estimation algorithms supporting thermal management for climate control, batteries, powertrains, heat pump/refrigeration systems, car computers, and more .

Posted 10/12/2026full-timeLong Beach • California • United StatesLead💰 $150,200 - $283,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing control algorithms for thermal management systems, with strong proficiency in C and Python programming. Collaborates effectively across engineering domains to enhance system performance and customer experience through data analysis and model-based design.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Control Algorithm DevelopmentC ProgrammingPython ProgrammingModel-Based DesignEmbedded Systems Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Control TheorySystem DynamicsData AnalysisHardware DebuggingCode OptimizationThermal Control AlgorithmsAutomotive Communication ProtocolsMicrocontroller PeripheralsDigital Signal ProcessingModeling Tools

Tools & Technologies

JIRAConfluenceMATLAB/SimulinkFleet Data Management Tools

Industry Keywords

Electrical EngineeringMechanical EngineeringHVAC SystemsRefrigeration SystemsReal-Time Embedded Environment

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PerlPythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Create control/estimation algorithms supporting thermal management for climate control, batteries, powertrains, heat pump/refrigeration systems, car computers, and more
Deliver high-quality C code in a real-time embedded environment
Write unit, SIL, and HIL test cases
Work with test and integration engineers to debug control algorithms at bench and vehicle level
Adapt or create reduced-order thermal systems models for control-focused development and refinement
Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and firmware engineers to execute control strategies
Develop fault detections and reaction strategies for a seamless customer experience
Develop and improve models to quantitatively compare alternative control algorithms across cost, efficiency, performance, and complexity
Monitor fleet telemetry and use data analysis to improve software quality and ideate new software features
Work cross-functionally across mechanical, aerodynamic, battery, powertrain, electrical, embedded/controls, and other engineering domains throughout vehicle development

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science, with evidence of exceptional ability, or equivalent
8+ years of experience in developing control algorithms and applying them to physical systems
High proficiency in programming using Python
Strong foundational background in control theory, system dynamics, and model-based design
Experience with JIRA/Confluence or a similar system for tracking inputs/results
Hands-on experience in hardware bring-up, system debugging, and code optimization
Knowledge of electrical engineering fundamentals including circuit analysis and design
Familiarity with thermal control algorithms and experience implementing them on an embedded system
Familiarity with refrigeration systems and HVAC systems
Experience with automotive communication protocols and stacks (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, UDS, etc.)
Knowledge of microcontroller peripherals such as ADC, GPIO, PWM, and SPI, and experience with sensors and digital signal processing
Experience with data management tools and using fleet data to guide design
Proficiency in C and C++ and scripting skills in at least one common language (Python, Perl, Shell)
Experience developing control algorithms for thermal systems using modeling tools such as Python, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar
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
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 is available