Core Functional Safety Engineer

Ford; Dearborn, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Family and parental leave

Tuition assistance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Ford Motor Company seeks a Core Functional Safety Engineer to ensure safety is built into advanced vehicle technologies from concept through production. You will apply ISO 26262 processes and MBSE/SysML methods while collaborating with global teams to advance safety concepts and system architectures.

This hybrid role emphasizes development of safety products, documentation, and continuous improvement, with opportunity to mentor others and contribute to Ford's next‑gen electric and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience or knowledge of ISO 26262 functional safety standard.
• 3+ years' experience with understanding of systems engineering principles and product development lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Execute ISO 26262 functional safety activities across global and cross-functional teams (e.g., powertrain, infotainment, active safety, driver assistance).
• Apply Ford functional safety processes, methods, tools, and training to develop safety work products for systems and software.
• Use MBSE/SysML to model system functions, interfaces, and safety-related behaviors.
• Develop safety concepts and system architectures and support safety-related documentation.

Skills

ISO 26262

Systems engineering

Automotive systems

Cross-functional collaboration

Programming (Python)

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Eng. or related field

Tools

MBSE/SysML

Job description

As a Core Functional Safety Engineer, you will play a key role in ensuring that advanced vehicle technologies are designed with safety at their core. You will collaborate with global cross‑functional teams to apply ISO 26262 processes, methods, and tools across multiple vehicle domains.

This role combines functional safety expertise with systems engineering practices, leveraging MBSE/SysML to develop and integrate safe, innovative solutions from concept through production. You will contribute to safety concepts, system design, and continuous improvement initiatives while supporting Ford’s vision for next‑generation electric and software‑defined vehicles.

What you’ll do…

• Execute ISO 26262 functional safety activities across global and cross‑functional teams (e.g., powertrain, infotainment, active safety, driver assistance).
• Apply Ford functional safety processes, methods, tools, and training to develop safety work products for systems and software.
• Use MBSE/SysML to model system functions, interfaces, and safety‑related behaviors.
• Support development of safety concepts (FSC/TSC) and system architectures.
• Collaborate with research and advanced engineering teams to transition new technologies into production.
• Create clear and compliant technical documentation to support audits, reviews, and program milestones.
• Work closely with product development, quality, and manufacturing teams to ensure “safety by design.”
• Identify and drive continuous improvement in functional safety processes, tools, and methodologies.
• Contribute to global safety libraries, standards, and best practices.
• Develop into a subject matter expert and support mentoring within the team.

You’ll have…

• Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience or knowledge of ISO 26262 functional safety standard.
• 3+ years' experience with understanding of systems engineering principles and product development lifecycle.
• 3+ years' experience in automotive systems (e.g., ADAS, powertrain, infotainment).
• 3+ years' experience working in cross‑functional engineering teams.
• 3+ years' experience with demonstrating the ability to develop and enhance engineering processes and deliverables through software programming (e.g., Python or similar), including automation, data analysis, and tool integration.

Even better, you may have…

• Experience with MBSE and SysML tools (e.g., MagicDraw, Cameo).
• Certification in ISO 26262 / ISO 21448 (SOTIF) / PAS 8800.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Experience with global collaboration and agile development environments.

• 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 8 and ranges from $115,000-$192,600. 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. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.