Software Quality Engineer — Defect Prevention & RCA (Embedded)

Ford Motor; Dearborn (MI); Hybrid; USD 99,100 - 166,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

Hybrid work model

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Ford Motor Company seeks a seasoned Software Quality Assurance Engineer to drive defect prevention and quality across embedded software in connected vehicle platforms. Lead RCA efforts, apply 8D/5 Whys/PDCA, and develop robust PRAs with cross‑functional engineering teams.

The role emphasizes audits, non‑conformance resolution, statistical quality monitoring, and training to embed a shift‑left quality culture within the software development lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of software engineering experience in the automotive industry, with focus on software quality and defect prevention.
• Proven expertise in software defect prevention methodologies, including embedded software systems.
• Hands‑on experience with structured problem‑solving tools (8D, 5 Whys, Root Cause Analysis facilitation, PDCA).
• Experience conducting quality audits and managing non‑conformance resolution.
• Strong background in Failure Mode Avoidance (FMA) for software systems.
• Strong embedded software development expertise.
• Experience applying statistical methods to monitor and improve quality metrics.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and training skills to drive improvements.
• Experience in a software quality organization highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate RCA of identified issues with cross‑functional engineering disciplines.
• Use structured problem‑solving methods to identify true root causes.
• Document RCA findings with contributing factors and weaknesses.
• Define Prevent Recurrence Actions (PRAs) with teams to eliminate root causes.
• Maintain a tracking mechanism for PRAs and monitor progress to closure.
• Verify corrective actions improve quality without introducing new issues.
• Document non‑conformances and potential issues.
• Collaborate with teams to resolve non‑conformances and verify effectiveness.
• Plan, schedule, and perform quality audits across processes and products.
• Identify non‑compliance, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Generate audit reports and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Establish data collection for key quality metrics and monitor trends.
• Apply statistical methods to quality metrics and trends.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to implement targeted actions.
• Synthesize SWQA data into clear, actionable summaries.
• Develop dashboards, newsletters, and executive presentations for SWQA status.
• Collaborate with supplier quality management to meet Ford eSoW requirements.
• Conduct software design reviews to ensure quality standards.
• Participate in engineering joint reviews to reinforce best practices.
• Coach and train teams on software quality, including ASPICE compliance.

Skills

Root Cause Analysis

PDCA

8D

FMA

Embedded software

Statistical methods

Cross-functional collaboration

Coaching/Training

ASPICE

Defect prevention

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

8D

5 Whys

PDCA

ASPICE

Job description

Ford Motor Company seeks a seasoned Software Quality Assurance Engineer to drive defect prevention and quality across embedded software in connected vehicle platforms. Lead RCA efforts, apply 8D/5 Whys/PDCA, and develop robust PRAs with cross‑functional engineering teams.

The role emphasizes audits, non‑conformance resolution, statistical quality monitoring, and training to embed a shift‑left quality culture within the software development lifecycle.