In Vehicle Network Architect

Ford; Allen Park (MI); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Parental leave

Tuition assistance

Vehicle discount program

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

Ford's EVDD team is seeking an In‑Vehicle Network Foundations Architect to define and release the core communication building blocks for our next‑generation vehicle architecture.

You will create network interfaces, topologies, and industry‑standard artifacts, working with Hardware/Software Architects and Platform experts to transform designs into interoperable network artifacts that drive our platforms forward.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of software engineering with a focus on embedded systems.
• 2+ years of experience in Ethernet distributed systems.
• 2+ years of experience in network architecture, protocols, and communication standards.
• 2+ years of experience in network analysis and simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Create and Implement In‑Vehicle Communication Systems, encompassing Network Architecture, Topology, and Protocols across OSI layers.
• Deliver foundational network libraries (core interfaces, packing structures, functional topology elements).
• Design, develop, and maintain automated pipeline for creation, testing, and release of network artifacts in industry formats.
• Establish and conduct validation procedures for Network Architecture Deliverables.
• Drive performance and optimization by improving data packing and communication protocols.
• Architect and implement Network cybersecurity and functional safety goals.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to standardize Ethernet/CAN/LIN attributes in the vehicle architecture.

Skills

Embedded software

Ethernet networks

Network architecture

Network analysis

Simulation tools

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

AUTOSAR Classic

AUTOSAR Adaptive

DBC/ARXML formats

Gherkin

Job description

In Vehicle Network Architect

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...

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated In‑Vehicle Network Foundations Architect. This role is crucial for enabling the evolution of our next-generation vehicle architecture. In this crucial, hands‑on role, you will own the definition and release of the core communication building blocks for our in‑vehicle network. You will deliver the essential core interfaces, Interface Layouts, network deliverables in standard Industry formats, and Functional ECU communication topologies. Your expertise will be key as you work closely with Hardware/Software Architects, Feature Owners, and Platform experts to transform strategic designs into implementable network artifacts that will drive our platforms forward.

What you’ll do…

• Create and Implement In‑Vehicle Communication Systems, Encompassing Network Architecture, Topology, and Communication Protocols Across All the OSI Layers
• Deliver the fundamental network Foundational libraries (core interfaces, Packing Structures and Functional topology elements) to create a standardized and efficient platform for all future vehicles
• Design, develop, and maintain the automated pipeline for the creation, testing, and release of all network communication artifacts in Industry Standard Formats
• Establish and Conduct validation procedures for Network Architecture Deliverables
• Drive Performance and Optimization by leveraging network analysis expertise to identify and implement optimizations in data packing and communication protocols, enhancing bus performance and efficiency.
• Architect and Implement the Network‑Specific Cybersecurity and Functional Safety Goals
• Collaborating with Cross‑Functional Architectural Teams to Define and Standardize Communication (Ethernet/CAN/LIN) Attributes to the Overall Vehicle Architecture

You’ll have:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or a combination of education and equivalent experience
• Software Developer first. 2+ years of work experience in software engineering, with a focus on embedded systems
• 2+ years of experience in Ethernet distributed systems (Automotive, Defense, Industry, IoT, IT, etc.)
• 2+ years of experience applying knowledge of network architecture, protocols, and communication standards
• 2+ years of experience in Network Analysis and Simulation tools

Even better, you may have:

• Master’s degree in computer engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Knowledge and application of Service‑Oriented Architecture (SOA) principles in automotive
• Skilled in Test‑Driven Development (TDD) with Gherkin for writing clear, concise, and executable specifications
• 3+ years of work experience with AUTOSAR Classic and Adaptive architectures
• 1+ years of experience in Ethernet Time‑Sensitive Networks and IEEE 802.1AE (also known as MACsec)
• 1+ years of experience in developing tools and scripts for AUTOSAR Classic, AUTOSAR Adaptive, DBC and/or ARXML formats

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 6-8 and 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.

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.