Thermal Systems Firmware Integration Engineer

Ford Motor Company

. Own firmware integration and characterization of cabin temperature, humidity, solar and rain/light sensing .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timePalo Alto • California • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $138,800 - $232,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in firmware integration and characterization of climate control systems, with a strong foundation in mechatronic fundamentals and proficiency in embedded C/C++. Capable of leading cross-functional teams to define and verify actuator interface requirements and diagnostic trouble codes in automotive applications.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Firmware IntegrationEmbedded C/C++ ProficiencyAutomotive Communication ProtocolsDebugging Across DomainsClimate Control Systems Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Firmware IntegrationEmbedded C/C++ ProficiencyDebugging SkillsSensor CharacterizationActuator Interface RequirementsDiagnostic Trouble CodesTest Setup BuildingEnvironmental Sensing IntegrationEnd-of-Line TestingScripting with Python or MATLAB

Tools & Technologies

Vector ToolsCANalyzerCANoeCANapeJiraConfluenceJama

Industry Keywords

MechatronicsAutomotiveHVAC SystemsISO 26262DTC DesignThermal PhysicsFluid DynamicsAgile MethodologyManufacturing DiagnosticsPosition Feedback

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own firmware integration and characterization of cabin temperature, humidity, solar and rain/light sensing
Characterize sensor behavior across operating conditions and integrate results into climate control and models
Define sensor plausibility, validity and fault-detection logic with controls engineers
Lead firmware integration of electromechanical registers, including aiming, position accuracy, calibration and end-stop learning
Align register aiming and HMI representation with infotainment and HMI teams
Define actuator interface requirements for suppliers and verify delivered behavior
Implement and verify diagnostic trouble codes for climate sensors and actuators
Partner with manufacturing and service teams on actionable self-test results and first-pass yield
Design and execute pre-merge verification plans, review embedded C and support release sign-off
Investigate integration issues using logging, CAN/LIN/ETH trace analysis and physical measurement
Support vehicle test campaigns, including offsite hot and cold weather trips
Track issues through Jira and Jama to genuine root cause
Own the climate-to-HMI interface specification and command-to-response latency
Contribute to sprint planning, technical risk identification and architecture/interface documentation

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical or Computer Engineering
3+ years of experience in embedded systems, firmware integration or systems engineering, ideally in automotive or another relevant high-volume product domain
Strong grounding in mechatronic fundamentals, including sensors, actuators, motors and position feedback, and their interaction with embedded software
Proficiency reading and debugging C/C++ on embedded targets
Demonstrated debugging skill across electrical, mechanical and software domains
Experience with automotive communication protocols: CAN, LIN and Ethernet, and associated tooling
Hands-on experience building test setups, instrumenting hardware and generating data
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Master's degree in a relevant engineering field (preferred)
Direct experience with HVAC systems and/or cabin climate control (preferred)
Experience integrating environmental or optical sensing in an automotive context (preferred)
Experience with motorized air vents, smart registers or similar customer-facing electromechanical devices (preferred)
Background in end-of-line testing, manufacturing diagnostics or plant-facing validation (preferred)
Familiarity with UDS, DTC design and ISO 26262 (preferred)
Scripting with Python or MATLAB for data analysis or test automation (preferred)
Proficiency with Vector tools such as CANalyzer, CANoe and CANape, or equivalent environments (preferred)
Experience with Agile tooling such as Jira and Confluence and requirements management with Jama (preferred)
Knowledge of thermal physics, psychrometrics or fluid dynamics (preferred)

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
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