Staff Digital Key Software Engineer
Ford Motor2 months ago
Base Salary
$150k - $284k/yr
Responsibilities
- Own implementation of vehicle access authentication components covering transaction authorization, lock/unlock, start authorization, and remote functions.
- Architect, develop, and maintain embedded software for vehicle access systems running on automotive ECUs and real-time embedded platforms.
- Implement Digital Key functionality based on Car Connectivity Consortium standards and Key Card authentication flows.
- Develop vehicle access features using Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband, NFC, and RF communications.
- Define software architecture, interfaces, and communication frameworks across vehicle systems, credentials, and external devices.
- Collaborate with systems, hardware, validation, cybersecurity, and mobile application teams on end-to-end solutions.
- Use C for embedded development and Python for automation, testing, and validation.
- Support vehicle integration, debugging, bring-up, launch, and post-launch activities on prototype and production vehicles.
- Diagnose complex software, connectivity, and RF issues across vehicle and mobile ecosystems.
- Use and critically validate AI-assisted coding tools for development, code 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.
- 8+ years of professional embedded software development experience.
- Strong proficiency in Embedded C and strong Python scripting and automation experience.
- 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.
- Experience using AI-assisted development tools such as VS Code Copilot, Claude Code, or similar, with sound judgment regarding AI-generated output.
- Preferred experience with automotive CCC Digital Key, Key Card authentication, Body Control Modules, Vehicle Access ECUs, vehicle integration, validation, and launch.
- Preferred knowledge of vehicle-access cybersecurity, CAN, Automotive Ethernet, diagnostics, vehicle communication protocols, embedded Linux, RTOS-based systems, ISO 26262, ASPICE, and MISRA.
- Preferred experience establishing team guidelines for safe and efficient AI coding assistant use 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 program for employees and family members and management leases.
- Tuition assistance, employee resource groups, and paid time off for community service.
- Paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, plus paid time off and an option to purchase additional vacation time.
- Hybrid position requiring onsite work four or more days per week.
- Visa sponsorship is available for this position.
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.