Thermal Firmware Integration Engineer - Early Career Program, Advanced EV
Ford Motor1 day ago
Palo Alto, CA, USAEntry Level
Responsibilities
- Support bench bring-up and firmware integration of thermal mechatronic devices including pumps, valves, compressors, actuators, registers, and sensors.
- Build and instrument prototype bench setups combining simulated and actual vehicle components for integration testing.
- Write and execute verification test cases for component controls, application logic, and diagnostics, and report results.
- Analyze CAN, LIN, Ethernet traces, and vehicle logs to isolate integration issues.
- Read and debug embedded C, investigate root causes across electrical, mechanical, and software domains, and characterize sensors and actuators.
- Verify diagnostic trouble codes and manufacturing self-test behavior, document interfaces and test setups, and track issues to closure in Jira.
Requirements
- Pursuing a degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
- Knowledge of mechatronic fundamentals and the interaction of sensors, actuators, motors, position feedback, and embedded software.
- Ability to read, trace, and debug C/C++ on embedded targets.
- Demonstrated debugging and diagnostic ability across electrical, mechanical, and software issues.
- Hands-on lab experience building test setups, instrumenting hardware, and generating data.
- Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with strong analytical, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
- Ability to dedicate six months to the engagement.
- Preferred experience includes CAN, LIN, Ethernet, Vector CANalyzer, CANoe, CANape, HIL or bench-in-the-loop testing, UDS, DTC design, ISO 26262, FMEA/HARA, thermal or HVAC principles, electronics instrumentation, Jira, Confluence, Jama, Git, code review, and Python.
Benefits
- Six-month Early Career Program, with a shorter duration possible in some cases, starting as early as spring 2027.
- Eligible candidates living 50 or more miles away may receive a $5,000 pre-tax relocation stipend.
- Candidates may be required to work onsite four or more days per week.
- Participants gain hands-on experience with Ford engineering, design, and software teams and contribute to advanced EV development.
About Ford Motor
Ford Motor Company designs, manufactures, and sells cars, trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles for consumers and businesses, and provides financing through Ford Credit. A public company headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan and listed on the NYSE, it operates globally under the Ford and Lincoln brands, including electric and connected vehicles such as the F‑150 Lightning and Mustang Mach‑E. Founded in 1903, it also offers software-driven fleet, mobility, and aftersales services.