Thermal Systems Integration Engineer, HVAC

Lincoln Motor Company; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ford’s Electric Vehicles, Digital and Design (EVDD) team is seeking an experienced embedded systems engineer in Palo Alto. Responsibilities include guiding the HVAC/powertrain thermal subsystems, integrating hardware and software, and ensuring robust verification and validation across vehicle platforms.

You will collaborate with control engineers and cross‑functional teams to deliver safe, efficient software for next‑generation automotive systems.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in embedded systems, firmware integration, or systems engineering.
• Strong understanding of mechatronic fundamentals (sensors, actuators, motors) and how they interact with embedded software.
• Proven debugging and diagnostic skills across electrical, mechanical, and software domains.
• Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded targets.
• Experience with automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet).
• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering field is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive development roadmap for application logic, component controls, and diagnostics.
• Orchestrate development workflow (Sprint planning, JIRA), ensuring risks are identified and mitigated.
• Lead hardware selection and integration, defining interface requirements for suppliers and internal teams.
• Collaborate with control algorithm engineers to optimize system performance and efficiency.
• Design and execute pre-merge verification plans and perform hands‑on validation using bench setups and vehicle assets.

Skills

Embedded systems

Firmware integration

Systems engineering

C/C++

Debugging

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

CANalyzer

CANape

Python

MATLAB

Job description

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.

What you'll do...

Domain Ownership & Architecture:

• Serve as a technical anchor for the Thermal Subsystem (HVAC & Powertrain Thermal), bridging mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines.

• Define and drive the development roadmap for application logic, component controls, and diagnostics.

• Orchestrate the development workflow (Sprint planning, JIRA), ensuring technical risks are identified and eliminated early.

Device & Application Integration:

• Lead the selection and integration of new hardware, authoring precise interface requirements for suppliers and internal controls teams.

• Collaborate with control algorithm engineers to optimize system performance and efficiency.

• Negotiate interfaces and behaviors with cross-functional teams (e.g., Infotainment, Powertrain) to ensure a seamless customer experience.

Firmware Verification & Validation:

• Design and execute comprehensive pre-merge verification plans to ensure software robustness.

• Conduct hands‑on validation using bench setups and vehicle assets, utilizing advanced debugging tools to root‑cause complex integration issues.

• Review code (C/C++) and sign off on software releases, maintaining a high standard for code quality and system safety.

You’ll have...

• Bachelor's or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

• 3+ years of experience in embedded systems, firmware integration, or systems engineering.

• Strong understanding of mechatronic fundamentals (sensors, actuators, motors) and how they interact with embedded software.

• Proven debugging and diagnostic skills in electrical, mechanical, and software domains.

• Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded targets.

• Experience with automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet).

Even better, you may have...

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering field.

• Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies and workflow management (JIRA, Confluence).

• Proficiency with vector tools (CANalyzer, CANape) or similar calibration/debugging tools.

• Scripting experience for data analysis or test automation (Python, MATLAB).

• Familiarity with functional safety standards (ISO 26262) and risk assessment (FMEA/HARA).

• Knowledge of thermal dynamics, fluid mechanics, or HVAC principles.

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