SW Applications Engineer, Ultra Cap/Energy Modules

About the role

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced SW Applications Engineer to join our innovative Body Controls organization. In this critical role, you will serve as the primary Ultra Capacitor (UCap) / Energy Module (EMM) module expert and a key technical stakeholder in the development, release, and support of embedded software solutions that control and manage advanced UCap/EMM systems powering various electrical systems within Ford's next-generation vehicles.

Responsibilities

• UCap/EMM System Representation: Act as the primary technical interface and advocate for the UCap/EMM system's requirements and integration needs to core software development teams, vehicle program stakeholders, and other cross-functional groups.
• Requirements Translation & Validation: Collaborate with key stakeholders to translate UCap/EMM system-level requirements (functional, performance, safety, cybersecurity) into clear, actionable inputs for software development teams. Review software requirements and designs from an UCap/EMM system perspective to ensure alignment with hardware capabilities and system specifications.
• Functional Safety (ISO 26262) & Redundancy Collaboration: Collaborate with functional safety engineers and software teams to ensure UCap/EMM software solutions meet ISO 26262 standards. Provide UCap/EMM system input for ASIL-compliant software requirements, specifically focusing on the UCap/EMM's role as a redundant power supply source to mitigate power-related failures and ensure continuous power delivery to safety-critical systems (e.g., braking and steering) for achieving required ASILs. Review safety mechanism designs and participate in safety analyses (e.g., FTA, FMEA) from an UCap/EMM system perspective.
• Cross-Functional Liaison: Act as a critical technical liaison between UCap/EMM hardware design, core software development, system/feature owners, and validation teams to ensure seamless integration and resolution of inter-disciplinary issues.
• Embedded Systems Interaction Understanding: Understand the interaction between UCap/EMM software, microcontroller units (MCUs), peripheral drivers, and Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) to effectively support UCap/EMM system integration and troubleshooting.
• Communication Protocols Verification: Ensure the UCap/EMM software properly implements and utilizes automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN, LIN, Ethernet) for effective interaction between the UCap/EMM module and other Body Control Modules (BCMs) and vehicle ECUs.
• Validation & Test Strategy Contribution: Contribute to the development and review of comprehensive software validation and test strategies (including unit, integration, system, and HIL testing) to verify that the UCap/EMM software correctly controls and manages the UCap/EMM hardware and meets system requirements.
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Leadership: Lead and actively participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) efforts (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams) for UCap/EMM system issues, especially when software is a contributing factor or interacts with the problem. Utilize UCap/EMM system expertise to guide investigations and collaborate with software SMEs to identify and implement robust solutions.
• Software Release Monitoring & Support: Monitor the software build, configuration, and release process, ensuring that UCap/EMM software versions are correctly managed and documented for vehicle program integration and compatibility.
• Supplier Technical Review: Review external software deliverables from an UCap/EMM system perspective, ensuring they meet Ford's technical specifications and quality standards.
• Documentation Review: Review software design documents, architecture specifications, validation plans, and release notes for accuracy and completeness, ensuring alignment with UCap/EMM system objectives.
• Automotive Powernet LVPS System Expertise: Provide expertise to ensure software properly addresses Automotive Powernet Low Voltage Power Supply (LVPS) Systems, including system voltage regulation, battery and ultracapacitor (UCap) charging strategies, and power load management techniques related to UCap/EMM functionality.
• Diagnostics and Fault Management Strategy Contribution: Provide expertise to ensure software effectively develops and implements strategies for diagnosing system faults and managing them effectively within UCap/EMM and interacting automotive power supply systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
• 3+ years of experience in automotive electrical systems engineering, with significant exposure to Ultra Capacitors, Energy Modules, or similar power storage/delivery systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in automotive electrical systems engineering, particularly within Body Controls, UCap/EMM systems, or related power management domains.
• Experience working with AUTOSAR-based software architectures.
• Knowledge of automotive cybersecurity standards (e.g., ISO/SAE 21434) and their implications for system design.
• Prior experience in a technical coordination or program support role.
• Ability to influence and drive technical decisions across diverse groups.

Benefits

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.

Pay

This position is a salary grades 6-8 and ranges from $85,400-$192,900.

Schedule

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.