Staff Digital Key Software Engineer
Ford Motor5 days ago
Base Salary
$150k - $284k/yr
Responsibilities
- Own implementation of vehicle access authentication components for transaction authorization, lock/unlock, start authorization, and remote functions across Digital Key and Key Card systems.
- Architect, develop, and maintain embedded software for automotive ECUs and real-time embedded platforms.
- Implement Digital Key functionality based on Car Connectivity Consortium standards and develop Key Card authentication flows.
- Build vehicle access features using Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband, NFC, and RF communication technologies.
- Define software architecture, interfaces, and communication frameworks between vehicle systems, credentials, and external devices.
- Collaborate with systems, hardware, validation, cybersecurity, and mobile application teams to deliver end-to-end solutions.
- Write embedded software in C and use Python for automation, testing, and validation.
- Support vehicle integration, debugging, prototype and production vehicle bring-up, and post-launch support.
- Diagnose complex software, connectivity, and RF issues across vehicle and mobile ecosystems.
- Use and critically validate AI-assisted development tools for coding, review, debugging, documentation, and test-case generation against automotive safety, security, and coding standards.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- At least 8 years of professional embedded software development experience.
- Strong proficiency in Embedded C and Python scripting and automation.
- Hands-on experience with complex embedded software projects, preferably Vehicle Access, Digital Key, or Key Card technologies.
- Experience with complex industry standards such as Car Connectivity Consortium standards.
- Understanding of Bluetooth, UWB, NFC, RF communication, and wireless connectivity architectures.
- Experience developing software for automotive ECUs and embedded real-time systems.
- Ability to own systems end-to-end from architecture through post-launch support with minimal supervision.
- Practical experience with AI-assisted development tools such as VS Code Copilot, Claude Code, or similar.
- Preferred experience with automotive CCC Digital Key, Key Card authentication, Body Control Modules, or Vehicle Access ECUs.
- Preferred knowledge of vehicle-access cybersecurity, CAN, Automotive Ethernet, diagnostics, vehicle communication protocols, embedded Linux, RTOS-based systems, ISO 26262, ASPICE, MISRA, and automotive validation or launch processes.
- Preferred experience establishing guidelines for safe and efficient use of AI coding assistants in safety-critical or regulated software environments.
Benefits
- Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
- Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new-parent programs, subsidized backup childcare, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and fertility benefits.
- Vehicle discount programs for employees and family members and management leases.
- Tuition assistance and employee resource groups.
- Paid time off for community service, paid holidays including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
- Hybrid work arrangement requiring onsite attendance four or more days per week.
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.