Embedded Controls Engineer – Body Systems & Vehicle Controls

Ford; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Parental leave

Vehicle discount

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Holiday pay

Job summary

Ford Motor Company seeks an Embedded Controls Software Engineer in Palo Alto, CA to advance body controls firmware for seats, lighting, and windows. You will develop real‑time C code, implement RTOS features, and ensure safety‑critical performance in low‑voltage vehicle systems.

You will own software architecture from prototype bring‑up to production, design control algorithms, lead hardware bring‑up on test assets, and collaborate with hardware, software, and validation teams to deliver robust,

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience writing clean, efficient, and robust production-grade C code for real-time embedded systems.
• Hands‑on RTOS experience and low-level debugging for timing constraints and low‑power modes.
• Experience with vehicle networks and test equipment, and familiarity with safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Specify, design, and implement software architecture for body controls firmware.
• Create control/estimation algorithms for body control features like window control and lighting.
• Lead design and integration of body controls hardware on test assets.
• Collaborate with software integration to align core functions with hardware and systems.
• Understand functional safety principles and participate in safety analyses.
• Develop test plans and validate firmware across conditions, including low power modes.
• Spearhead feature development and document validation strategies.
• Author subsystem diagrams and lead subsystem reviews.
• Early firmware phases focus on hardware validation, labcar testing, and automation setup.

Skills

C programming

RTOS development

CAN/LIN/Auto Ethernet

Electrical hardware bring-up

Functional safety awareness

Education

Master’s or Bachelor’s in Electrical/Computer Engineering or equivalent

Tools

FreeRTOS

SafeRTOS

AUTOSAR

Oscilloscopes

DMMs

Job description

Ford Motor Company seeks an Embedded Controls Software Engineer in Palo Alto, CA to advance body controls firmware for seats, lighting, and windows. You will develop real‑time C code, implement RTOS features, and ensure safety‑critical performance in low‑voltage vehicle systems.

You will own software architecture from prototype bring‑up to production, design control algorithms, lead hardware bring‑up on test assets, and collaborate with hardware, software, and validation teams to deliver robust,