Powertrain Control Software Validation Engineer

Ford; Dearborn, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Employee resource groups

Job summary

Ford is seeking a Powertrain Controls Software Validation Engineer to develop, execute, and maintain software validation for PCM, supporting both supplier low-level drivers and Ford high-level control software.

You will modernize validation infrastructure with dSPACE SCALEXIO HIL, automation tools, and Python-based frameworks, collaborating with Ford teams, suppliers, and system experts to cover gasoline, hybrid, and electric programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
• Minimum 2 years in Powertrain Controls Software Validation; 5+ years in automotive embedded software development, testing and debugging.
• Strong programming and software development skills in ANSI C and Python.
• Experience with Model-Based Development and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Hands-on experience with dSPACE HIL systems.
• Working knowledge of dSPACE ControlDesk and ConfigurationDesk, Lauterbach Trace32, Git/GitHub, ClearCase.
• Understanding of engine controls principles and combustion engine operation.
• Analytical thinking and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, execute, and maintain software validation suites for low-level and high-level drivers.
• Lead modernization efforts by migrating validation environments to dSPACE SCALEXIO HIL platforms.
• Develop automated testing frameworks using Python 3 and modern tools.
• Collaborate with Ford engineers, suppliers, and system experts to define validation requirements.
• Perform debugging and root-cause analysis of embedded software.
• Support validation across gasoline, HEV, and BEV applications.

Skills

ANSI C

Python

C/C++

MATLAB/Simulink

Model-Based Development

dSPACE HIL

Hardware-in-the-Loop

Git/GitHub

Lauterbach Trace32

ClearCase

Education

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

Tools

dSPACE ControlDesk

dSPACE ConfigurationDesk

MATLAB/Simulink

Lauterbach Trace32

Git

ClearCase

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

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.