Thermal Firmware Integration Engineer - Early Career Program, Advanced EV
Ford Motor1 day ago
Palo Alto, CA, USAEntry Level
Responsibilities
- Support bench bring-up and 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 firmware integration testing.
- Write and execute verification test cases for component controls, application logic, and diagnostics, and report results.
- Analyze CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet traces, and vehicle logs to characterize behavior and isolate integration issues.
- Read and trace embedded C and support root-cause investigations across electrical, mechanical, and software domains.
- Characterize sensors and actuators and help define plausibility, validity, and fault-detection expectations.
- Verify diagnostic trouble codes and manufacturing self-test behavior.
- Document interfaces, test setups, and known issues, and track issues through Jira.
Requirements
- Pursuit of a degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
- Grounding in mechatronic fundamentals, including sensors, actuators, motors, and position feedback, and their interaction with 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 ability to build test setups, instrument hardware, and generate data in a laboratory environment.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
- Ability to dedicate 6 months to the engagement.
- Preferred experience with CAN, LIN, Ethernet, Vector CANalyzer, CANoe, CANape, HIL or bench-in-the-loop environments, UDS, DTC design, ISO 26262, FMEA/HARA, thermal physics, fluid mechanics, psychrometrics, HVAC, electronics instrumentation, Jira, Confluence, Jama, Git, code review, and Python.
Benefits
- 6-month Early Career Program, with a shorter duration possible in some cases, starting as early as spring 2027.
- $5,000 pre-tax relocation stipend for eligible candidates living 50 or more miles away.
- Candidates may be required to work onsite four or more days per week.
- Opportunity to gain hands-on experience with EV thermal systems, embedded software, and real vehicle hardware.
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.