Staff Vehicle Test Engineer at Ford Global Career Site

Palo Alto, California, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

10 Jan, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

12 Oct, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Yes

Skills

Vehicle-Level Testing, Software Integration, Prototype Vehicles, Automotive Communication Tools, Vehicle Log Analysis, Diagnostics, Scripting, Debugging, Test Automation, Safety Processes, Validation Processes, Mentoring, Regression Testing, ECU Flashing, Network Validation, Data Analysis

Industry

Motor Vehicle Manufacturing

Description

Develop and execute vehicle-level test plans for pre-merge and post-merge software releases. Lead daily regression testing loops (startup/shutdown, diagnostics, CAN/Ethernet communication, domain feature smoke tests). Operate and maintain prototype vehicles, ensuring readiness for software testing and proving ground campaigns. Collect, analyze, and manage vehicle log data, providing clear feedback to integration and domain software teams. Debug and triage software/hardware integration issues, working closely with integration engineers and suppliers. Support vehicle bring-up: ECU flashing, network validation, wiring checks, and basic diagnostics. Define and enforce test processes and standards to ensure consistent execution across vehicles and sites. Mentor junior vehicle test engineers/operators on procedures, safety, and best practices. Partner with release and tools engineers to automate test result reporting and regression tracking. Support extended test campaigns at proving grounds, winter test sites, and internal demos. Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering (or equivalent experience). 8+ years of experience in automotive vehicle-level testing or integration, with at least some exposure to multiple domains (chassis, powertrain, ADAS, body, infotainment). Strong hands-on experience with prototype vehicles, including flashing ECUs, configuring networks, and running test campaigns. Proficiency in automotive communication tools (Vector CANoe, CANalyzer, CANape; or equivalent). Experience analyzing and managing vehicle logs (MDF, BLF, or other formats). Solid understanding of diagnostics (UDS, OBD-II, DoIP) and ECU validation. Comfortable with scripting (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for test automation and data analysis. Proven ability to debug issues at the system level, bridging software and hardware boundaries. Familiarity with safety and validation processes (ISO 26262, ASPICE) is a plus. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, prototype-heavy environment with changing priorities. Willingness to work flexible hours (afternoon/evening/weekend shifts) as needed during test campaigns. Willingness to travel for proving ground and winter test campaigns. As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including: Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases Tuition assistance Established and active employee resource groups Paid time off for individual and team community service A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time. For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/LL6SP4 Visa sponsorship is available for this position. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute vehicle-level test plans for software releases while leading daily regression testing loops. Operate and maintain prototype vehicles, collect and analyze vehicle log data, and debug software/hardware integration issues.