Powertrain Control Software Validation Engineer

Ford; Dearborn (MI); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition assistance

Vehicle discount program

Job summary

Ford seeks a Powertrain Controls Software Validation Engineer to design, develop, and execute software validation suites for PCM drivers and Ford-developed software. You will implement validation strategies, analyze requirements, and maintain test cases across embedded features and hardwired I/O.

You will modernize validation infrastructure with dSPACE SCALEXIO HIL systems, Python automation, and Model-Based Development practices, collaborating with Ford engineers, suppliers, and system experts

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in Powertrain Controls Software Validation.
• Minimum 5 years of experience developing, testing, and debugging automotive embedded systems software.
• Strong programming and software development skills using ANSI C and Python.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, execute, and maintain software validation suites for supplier-delivered low-level drivers and Ford-developed high-level drivers.
• Analyze software requirements and develop comprehensive test plans and validation strategies.
• Develop, update, and execute test cases for base functionality, hardwired inputs/outputs, and embedded software features.
• Review and analyze test results, identify root causes of issues, and support corrective actions.

Skills

C programming

Python

dSPACE HIL

MATLAB/Simulink

Embedded systems

Version control

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field

Tools

Git/GitHub

ClearCase

Lauterbach Trace32

Job description

As a Powertrain Controls Software Validation Engineer, you will be responsible for developing, executing, and maintaining software validation solutions for Powertrain Control Modules (PCM). This role supports both supplier-developed low-level drivers and Ford-developed high-level control software, ensuring software functionality, quality, and compliance with system requirements.

The successful candidate will play a key role in modernizing Ford's validation infrastructure through the implementation of dSPACE SCALEXIO Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) systems, automation tools, and advanced software development methodologies. You will collaborate closely with Ford engineering teams, suppliers, and system experts to deliver validation strategies for current and future gasoline, hybrid, and electric vehicle programs.

Software Validation Development

• Design, develop, execute, and maintain software validation suites for supplier-delivered low-level drivers and Ford-developed high-level drivers.
• Analyze software requirements and develop comprehensive test plans and validation strategies.
• Develop, update, and execute test cases for base functionality, hardwired inputs/outputs, and embedded software features.
• Review and analyze test results, identify root causes of issues, and support corrective actions.

Test Automation and Infrastructure Modernization

• Lead modernization efforts by migrating existing validation environments to dSPACE SCALEXIO platforms.
• Convert and maintain automated testing frameworks using modern software development tools and Python 3.
• Develop automated processes for test execution, reporting, and validation on dSPACE HIL systems.
• Improve validation efficiency through scalable and repeatable automation solutions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Ford system experts, software engineers, and suppliers to define validation requirements and test methodologies.
• Serve as the technical interface between Ford engineering teams and PCM suppliers.
• Support validation activities across gasoline, HEV, and BEV applications.
• Collaborate across organizational boundaries to resolve complex technical issues and drive continuous improvement.

Technical Analysis and Problem Solving

• Perform software debugging and root-cause analysis using industry-standard tools and techniques.
• Validate embedded software functionality and ensure compliance with design requirements.
• Support software quality initiatives through data-driven analysis and continuous improvement practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in Powertrain Controls Software Validation.
• Minimum 5 years of experience developing, testing, and debugging automotive embedded systems software.
• Strong programming and software development skills using ANSI C and Python.
• Experience with Model-Based Development (MBD) and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Hands‑on experience with dSPACE Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) systems.
• Working knowledge of:
  • dSPACE ControlDesk and ConfigurationDesk
  • Lauterbach Trace32 Debugger
  • Git/GitHub
  • ClearCase
• Understanding of basic engine controls principles and combustion engine operation.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams and external suppliers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with embedded controls software development.
• Knowledge of Powertrain Control Systems and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) hardware.
• Experience with calibration tools and processes.
• Electrical hardware and wiring troubleshooting experience.
• Familiarity with software architecture, automated testing frameworks, and continuous integration methodologies.
• Experience supporting electrified propulsion systems, including HEV and BEV applications

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined.

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 grade 7 and ranges from $99,600-$166,600., This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $115,000-$162,900.

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.