Thermal Firmware Integration Engineer – Early Career Program

Ford Motor Company

. Support bench bring-up and integration of thermal mechatronic devices, including smart pumps, valves, electric compressors, actuators, motorized registers, and cabin/environmental sensors .

Posted 11/4/2026full-timePalo Alto • California • United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in mechatronic fundamentals, including sensors, actuators, and embedded software integration. Proficient in debugging C/C++ on embedded targets and analyzing automotive communication protocols such as CAN, LIN, and Ethernet.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Mechatronic FundamentalsC/C++ DebuggingAutomotive Communication ProtocolsVector Tools ProficiencyHands-On Lab Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Embedded Software IntegrationVerification Test Case WritingData AnalysisRoot-Cause InvestigationTest Setup InstrumentationDebugging and DiagnosticsThermal Physics KnowledgeFluid Mechanics KnowledgeHIL Testing ExperienceDTC Design Familiarity

Soft Skills

Collaborative TeamworkEffective Communication

Tools & Technologies

CANalyzerCANoeCANapeJiraConfluenceJamaGitOscilloscopesLogic AnalyzersPower Supplies

Industry Keywords

ISO 26262FMEAHARAAutomotive EthernetPosition FeedbackSmart PumpsElectric CompressorsActuatorsMotorized RegistersCabin Sensors

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support bench bring-up and integration of thermal mechatronic devices, including smart pumps, valves, electric compressors, actuators, motorized registers, and cabin/environmental sensors
Build and instrument prototype bench setups combining simulated and actual vehicle components for firmware integration testing
Write and execute verification test cases for component controls, application logic, and diagnostics
Report verification results to development teams
Analyze CAN, LIN, and Automotive Ethernet traces and vehicle logs to characterize device behavior and isolate integration issues
Read and trace embedded C to understand implemented behavior
Support root-cause investigations across electrical, mechanical, and software domains
Characterize sensors and actuators across operating conditions
Help define plausibility, validity, and fault-detection expectations with controls engineers
Verify diagnostic trouble codes and manufacturing self-test behavior
Document interfaces, test setups, and known issues
Track issues to closure in Jira
Collaborate with mechanical engineers, aerodynamicists, battery and powertrain experts, electrical engineers, and embedded/controls engineers throughout vehicle development

Requirements

What you’ll need

Pursuit of a degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline
Solid grounding in mechatronic fundamentals, including sensors, actuators, motors, and position feedback, and their interaction with embedded software
Ability to read, trace, and debug C/C++ on embedded targets
Demonstrated debugging and diagnostic ability across electrical, mechanical, and software domains
Hands-on lab experience building test setups, instrumenting hardware, and generating data
GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment
Must be able to dedicate 6 months to the engagement
Experience with automotive communication protocols such as CAN, LIN, and Ethernet is advantageous
Proficiency with Vector tools such as CANalyzer, CANoe, and CANape is advantageous
Experience with HIL or bench-in-the-loop test environments is advantageous
Familiarity with UDS, DTC design, ISO 26262, FMEA, or HARA is advantageous
Knowledge of thermal physics, fluid mechanics, psychrometrics, or HVAC principles is advantageous
Experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power supplies, and current probes is advantageous
Experience with Jira, Confluence, Jama, Git, code review practices, and Python is advantageous
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available

Benefits

Comp & perks

6-month Early Career Program
$5,000 pre-tax relocation stipend for eligible candidates living 50+ miles away
Hands-on experience with advanced EV technologies
High level of involvement with an exceptional team of industry innovators and visionaries
Meaningful contribution to breakthrough mobility work
Skills development supporting future career pursuits