Director of Virtualization & vECU Validation (Hybrid)

Lincoln Motor Company; Dearborn (MI); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Vehicle discount program for employees

Tuition assistance

Paid time off and holidays

Flexible family care days and parental

Back-up child care

Employee resource groups

Paid time off for community service

Onsite amenities and long-term career

Job summary

Ford Motor Company is seeking an experienced leader to transform software and vehicle validation in a virtual environment. You will lead a team focused on vECUs and digital twins, partnering with Systems Lifecycle, Development, TPM, and Vehicle Programs to align on software validation needs and roadmap execution.

Responsibilities include shaping V&V strategy, ensuring KPI adherence, and driving scalable cross-program platform delivery with a strong emphasis on quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in automotive ECU hardware/software development or validation.
• Experience defining and delivering vECUs and virtual validation capabilities.
• Familiarity with GPDS deliverables and timing.
• Ability to lead cross-functional, global teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-regional Virtualization & Simulation organization for software and system testing.
• Drive V&V strategy changes to improve software quality and automation.
• Scale the adoption of vECUs across development and validation teams.
• Define and communicate V&V plans, status, and risk mitigations.
• Ensure on-time delivery respecting platform timelines and budgets.
• Foster continuous improvement and cross-module collaboration.

Skills

vECU validation

ECU hardware/software

team leadership

V&V process

GPDS familiarity

cross-functional collaboration

strategic planning

communication

technical planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or computer science

Master’s degree (desirable)

Tools

GPDS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Ford Motor Company is seeking an experienced leader to transform software and vehicle validation in a virtual environment. You will lead a team focused on vECUs and digital twins, partnering with Systems Lifecycle, Development, TPM, and Vehicle Programs to align on software validation needs and roadmap execution.

Responsibilities include shaping V&V strategy, ensuring KPI adherence, and driving scalable cross-program platform delivery with a strong emphasis on quality and efficiency.