AI-First Backend Developer

Lincoln Motor Company; Dearborn (MI); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Family care benefits

Tuition assistance

Vehicle discount

Paid time off

Job summary

Ford is seeking a hands-on Data Scientist to transform complex data into actionable insights and scalable analytics solutions. You will collaborate with data scientists, AI engineers, and business stakeholders to deliver data-driven products and AI-enabled features.

The role emphasizes building production-grade Python services, scalable data models with BigQuery and PostgreSQL, and end-to-end data pipelines in a hybrid work environment. Strong communication and mentorship are valued.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in data science, data engineering, or software engineering.
• 3+ years of experience building and operating cloud-based workloads, preferably on Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
• Experience developing data pipelines, analytical solutions, and CI/CD processes.
• Strong Python programming skills and experience with modern data science tools and frameworks.
• Hands-on experience with AI coding agents and validating AI-generated outputs.

Responsibilities

• Develop clear specifications and guidelines to enable AI coding agents to generate reliable code.
• Design and maintain CI/CD pipelines and environment automation on GCP for frequent deployments.
• Build and maintain production-grade Python services and secure, versioned APIs.
• Design scalable data models using BigQuery and PostgreSQL and support AI-driven applications.

Skills

Data science

Python

BigQuery

GCP

CI/CD

APIs

AI/ML

Data modeling

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/DS

Tools

BigQuery

PostgreSQL

Git

GCP

Job description

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

Do you believe data tells the real story? We do! Redefining mobility requires quality data, metrics and analytics, as well as insightful interpreters and analysts. That's where Global Data Insight & Analytics (GDIA) makes an impact. We advise leadership on business conditions, customer needs and the competitive landscape, helping key decision makers act in meaningful, positive ways. Join us and use your data expertise and analytical skills to drive evidence-based, timely decision making.

Our team develops data products and analytical solutions that support product development, design, and cost strategy across Ford. We’re embracing an AI-first development model, using spec-driven development and AI tools to accelerate delivery.

We’re seeking a hands‑on Data Scientist to transform complex data into actionable insights and scalable analytical solutions. You’ll work across data science, AI, and analytics while partnering with technical teams and business stakeholders to solve complex problems and deliver impactful, data-driven solutions.

What You'll Do….

Enable an AI-First, Spec-Driven Development Model

• Develop clear, testable specifications, acceptance criteria, and architectural guidelines that enable AI coding agents to generate reliable code.
• Leverage AI coding agents, reusable prompts, and repository conventions to streamline development workflows.
• Establish quality controls for AI-generated code, including automated testing, security scanning, and static analysis.
• Evaluate emerging AI tools and practices, including agentic workflows, MCP integrations, and evaluation frameworks.

Build and Optimize CI/CD Pipelines

• Design and maintain CI/CD pipelines and environment automation on GCP, enabling frequent, independent production deployments.
• Replace manual deployment processes with self‑service tools, reusable templates, and standardized workflows.
• Implement observability, feature flags, and automated rollback capabilities to ensure safe, reliable deployments.

Develop Backend Services and Data Solutions

• Build and maintain production‑grade Python services and secure, versioned APIs.
• Design scalable data models using BigQuery and PostgreSQL.
• Develop and optimize data and machine learning pipelines in collaboration with data scientists.
• Support AI‑driven applications and evolving product requirements through scalable backend solutions.

You’ll have….

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 6+ years of experience in data science, data engineering, or software engineering.
• 3+ years of experience building and operating cloud‑based workloads, preferably on Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
• Experience developing data pipelines, analytical solutions, and CI/CD processes.
• Strong Python programming skills and experience with modern data science tools and frameworks.
• Hands‑on experience with AI coding agents and validating AI‑generated outputs.
• Solid data modeling skills and experience with BigQuery and analytical workloads.
• Familiarity with Git, cloud infrastructure, observability, and performance optimization.
• Working knowledge of front‑end or full‑stack development.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to mentor and coach others.
• An automation mindset focused on improving efficiency and scalability.
• Curiosity about the business and the ability to translate business needs into data‑driven solutions.

Even Better, You May Have...

• Experience with spec-driven or AI-assisted development practices.
• GCP certifications in Data Engineering, Cloud Development, or DevOps.
• Experience in platform engineering, developer experience, or DORA metrics.
• Background in automotive, manufacturing, or product‑cost analytics.

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

• 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 and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• 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.

This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $99,600-$166,600.

This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $115,000-$192,900.

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week.