Software & Embedded Engineering (Talent Pipeline) - Early Career Program, Advanced EV

Location: Palo Alto, CA, United States Department: PD Operations and Quality

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

Join our Advanced EV Development (ADVEV) team for a 6-month Early Career Program and help build the future of mobility! Immerse yourself in Ford's center of innovation and growth, working alongside top engineering, design, and software talent to create groundbreaking EVs and contribute to key technologies like batteries, charging, and recycling. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience and make a real impact on the automotive industry.

This is a pipeline requisition. Apply once and you'll be considered for multiple openings across our Software and Embedded Engineering teams in Advanced EV Development and our Electric Vehicle software organization. We'll match your skills and interests to the team and project that fit best.

Location: Palo Alto, CA or Long Beach, CA

Duration:  6-months (can be less in some cases)

Work arrangement: Candidates will be required to be onsite four or more days per week.

Stipend: $5,000 pre-tax commute/relocation stipend for eligible candidates living 50+ miles away.

Specific team and project assignments are confirmed during the selection process.

What You'll Do

Depending on your team, you may

Design, develop, and debug production-quality software, such as embedded C, Rust or C++ services, and Python tools

Translate system and software requirements into designs, code, and test cases

Develop unit, integration, software-in-the-loop (SIL), and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests, including test automation and CI/CD tooling

Integrate, bring up, and troubleshoot software and hardware on test benches and prototype vehicles

Analyze test and vehicle data, and share findings and recommendations

Collaborate with software, firmware, electrical, mechanical, controls, and systems engineers in an agile team

Document your work and share results with the team

What You'll Have

Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechanical or Automotive Engineering, or a related field

Coursework, project, or internship experience in programming. Examples include C/C++, Rust, Python, Java, or MATLAB/Simulink.

Strong fundamentals in software, embedded systems, or controls. Examples include data structures, algorithms, operating systems, and control systems.

Strong problem-solving skills and eagerness to learn in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Ability to work in cross-functional teams and communicate technical ideas clearly

Curiosity about automotive technology, embedded systems, and electric vehicles

Availability for the full 6-month program

Some roles may require travel to test locations, or a valid driver's license for vehicle testing. This will be confirmed during selection.

Even Better, You May Have

Experience with embedded Linux, middleware, Rust, or real-time embedded C

Experience with automotive communication protocols and diagnostics (CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, UDS)

Experience with device drivers (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth), microcontroller peripherals (ADC, GPIO, PWM, SPI), or sensors and signal processing

Experience with Human-Machine Interface (HMI) development or Software (SW) System Integration

Experience with cloud software, Git, Linux, CI/CD, containers, or automated testing

Familiarity with HIL or simulation tools (dSPACE, NI, Vector CANoe/CANalyzer/CANape, ecu.test)

Knowledge of control theory or vehicle dynamics, or experience with thermal systems

Experience using data or fleet data to drive engineering decisions

Student-team or project experience, such as Formula SAE, robotics, IoT, or personal projects

Comfort using AI-assisted coding tools responsibly in a learning-focused workflow

If you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

What You'll Receive in Return

As part of this exciting program, you'll enjoy a high level of involvement with an exceptional team of industry innovators and visionaries. You'll contribute in a meaningful way to our important, breakthrough work. And you'll develop the skills that will give you a significant edge in your future career pursuits. If you have what it takes to help us redefine the future of mobility, we'd love to have you join us.

Relocation & Commuter Stipend: If you live more than 50 miles from a local office, and are assigned to an eligible team, Ford will extend a $5,000 pre-tax stipend to help support your commute costs, which costs you agree otherwise would be borne by you personally. If you are eligible for a stipend, you may spend the stipend at your own discretion.

This position is a salary grade 4. For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/supplemental

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid  #UEV

Design, develop, and debug production-quality software, such as embedded C, Rust or C++ services, and Python t