Feature Systems Engineer

Ford; Dearborn, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Vehicle discount

Tuition assistance

Parental leave

PTO & holidays

Job summary

Ford’s EVDD team seeks a Feature Systems Engineer to architect and develop vehicle features from concept through production. You will work on electrical systems, networking, power distribution, and feature upgrades, using Python, Matlab/Simulink, and MBSE tools.

You will document specifications, perform DFMEA and verification planning, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize safety, quality, and performance in an agile environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in electrical/Mechatronics/computer engineering or related field.
• 3+ years in Systems Engineering/Software Engineering (automotive preferred).
• 3+ years vehicle electrical systems experience including CAN/Ethernet.
• 3+ years experience resolving software/CAN issues in Agile teams.
• 3+ years experience with Matlab/Simulink and Python for scripting/test automation.
• 1+ years experience with BDD/Gherkin testing frameworks.
• 3+ years V-model experience with DFMEA and data-driven spec writing.

Responsibilities

• Architect and develop system features from concept to production, including wiring, topologies, schematics and block diagrams.
• Develop and document specifications, DFMEA and verification plans; assess safety and cybersecurity.
• Use Model Based Systems Engineering tools to define architectures and validate control strategies.
• Develop and maintain BDD scripts and ensure traceability from requirements to tests.
• Champion DFMEA workshops and apply Six Sigma principles to drive design improvements.
• Collaborate with product, program and core engineering teams; lead trade-off discussions with suppliers.

Skills

Systems architecture

Feature development

Model Based Systems Engineering

Python

C++

Matlab/Simulink

Stateflow

BDD/Gherkin

JAMA/Jira

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (Electrical/Mechatronics/Computer Eng)

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

Python scripting

Jama

Jira

Git/GitHub

MATLAB/Simulink

Magic Draw

Stateflow

Job description

Feature Systems Engineer

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.

Ford’s Electric Vehicles, Digital and Design (EVDD) team is charged with delivering the company’s vision of a fully electric transportation future. EVDD is customer-obsessed, entrepreneurial, and data-driven and is dedicated to delivering industry-leading customer experience for electric vehicle buyers and owners. You’ll join an agile team of doers pioneering our EV future by working collaboratively, staying focused on only what matters, and delivering excellence day in and day out. Join us to make positive change by helping build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.

In this position...

You will be responsible for Systems architecture & feature development: Architect and develop features at the systems level—from early concept through production—including new features/feature upgrades/migrations, network/wiring/power distribution topologies, schematics, and block diagrams; allocate features to meet cost, quality, and performance targets.

What you'll do...

• Systems architecture & feature development: Architect and develop features at the systems level—from early concept through production—including new features/feature upgrades/migrations, network/wiring/power distribution topologies, schematics, and block diagrams; allocate features to meet cost, quality, and performance targets.
• Documentation & compliance: Develop feature/functional/implementation specifications, DFMEA/Failure Mode Avoidance documentation, verification plans, functional safety assessments, and cybersecurity assessments & mitigations.
• Modeling & simulation: Use Model Based Systems Engineering tools (Python, C++, Matlab, Simulink, Stateflow, Magic Draw) to define logical architectures, develop/execute control strategies, and validate logic via SiL testing before implementation.
• BDD/Test automation: Develop and maintain Behavior Driven Development scripts (Gherkin syntax), create/manage Step Definitions using the Behave package in Python, and ensure requirement-to-test traceability using tools like JAMA and Jira.
• Quality & continuous improvement: Champion Failure Mode Avoidance/DFMEA workshops; apply 6 Sigma (DMAIC/DFSS) principles; analyze warranty/quality metrics (GQRS, AWS) to drive design improvements.
• Cross-functional leadership: Interact with product, program, and core engineering teams; lead trade-off discussions; develop relationships with multi-functional teams and suppliers to identify new technologies and cost/quality opportunities.
• Communication & customer insight: Communicate complex systems, issues, and resolutions clearly and concisely; apply connected data & analytics to build deep customer understanding.
• Strategic contribution: Serve as a key specialist in next-generation vehicle development, fusing systems and software engineering to create innovative in-vehicle digital experiences; lead design, validation, and optimization of complex vehicle features.

You'll have...

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in Systems Engineering and/or Software Engineering (preferably automotive).
• 3+ years of experience of vehicle electrical systems/features, including electrical module design, networking, wiring, power distribution, body/chassis systems, and vehicle networking protocols (CAN, Ethernet).
• 3+ years of experience resolving software/CAN communication issues; ability to work within Agile teams (Epics, Sagas) and communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• 3+ years’ experience in Matlab Simulink and strong Python coding skills for scripting/test automation.
• 1 + years’ experience with BDD/Gherkin testing frameworks and test automation workflows.
• 3+ years Systems engineering V-model experience with deep understanding of DFMEA/Failure Mode Avoidance methodologies, quality documentation (Special Characteristics, Boundary Diagrams), and specification/requirements writing using data-driven approaches.
• Strong systems thinking and analytical skills, with excellent written/verbal communication and resilience under pressure.

Even better, you may have...

• Master's Degree in relevant engineering field; 5+ years of automotive engineering experience.
• Hands-on experience developing, implementing, and supporting software applications through the full lifecycle (design, architecture, development, testing, integration).
• Electrical D&R/testing experience.
• Functional safety (HARA, Safety Goals, FSRs/TSRs) and cybersecurity (TARA) familiarity.
• Experience with Ford internal tools (FEDE, VSEM, GPDS) and embedded software principles (AUTOSAR).
• Version control experience (Git/GitHub).

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 grades 6-8and ranges from $85,400--$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.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here:

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 (onsite four days per week) for candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location. #LI-Hybrid

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