Embedded Software Engineer

FORD - Platform Software Validation Engineer Automotive Electronics | Embedded Systems | Functional SafetyAbout the RoleFORD is seeking a Platform Software Validation Engineer to drive and execute safety, performance, and deterministic reliability validation strategies for next-generation automotive Electronic Control Units (ECUs).In this role, you will perform hands-on post-silicon validation of microcontrollers, Real-Time Drivers (RTD), System Timer Modules (STM), automotive Ethernet chipsets, and bootloaders. You will define and execute testing methodologies supporting ISO 26262 functional safety requirements while optimizing real-time networking performance.The ideal candidate has strong expertise in embedded systems, automotive networking, bench validation, test automation, and functional safety compliance.ResponsibilitiesPost-Silicon Bench Testing & Hardware ValidationExecute bench-level validation on silicon evaluation boards and custom automotive ECUs.Configure and validate hardware peripherals including System Timer Modules (STM), memory protection units, and interrupt controllers.Integrate and verify PHY and switch drivers while validating high-speed Automotive Ethernet transceiver performance.Architect and execute test strategies for bootloaders, secure boot functionality, flashing workflows, and OTA rollback capabilities.Validate secure boot processes including cryptographic signature verification.Test UDS (ISO 14229) flashing over CAN and Automotive Ethernet networks.Driver & Performance VerificationValidate Real-Time Drivers (RTD) for bare-metal and AUTOSAR environments.Benchmark network stack throughput, latency, and performance.Utilize tools such as CANoe, iperf, packet generators, and network analyzers.Analyze complex communication stacks including:TCP/IPSOME/IPDoIPAutomotive EthernetFunctional Safety & Test AutomationDesign and maintain automated regression test frameworks utilizing Python.Develop target-side test applications in C, C++, or Rust.Author verification and validation (V&V) test specifications mapped to functional safety goals.Support compliance activities for ASIL B, ASIL C, and ASIL D programs.Utilize oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, debuggers, and lab instrumentation to investigate software and hardware issues.Drive root cause analysis and corrective action efforts across embedded platforms.Required QualificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM field.Hands-on experience validating and debugging microcontrollers (ARM Cortex-M, ESP32, or similar).Strong understanding of Automotive Ethernet (100BASE-T1 / 1000BASE-T1).Experience with automotive communication protocols:CAN FDLINUDS (ISO 14229)Experience working with Realtek Ethernet transceivers and switch technologies.Familiarity configuring and validating low-level hardware peripherals such as STM timers and interrupt systems.Strong knowledge of ISO 26262 functional safety standards.Understanding of Hardware-Software Interface (HSI) definitions and safety-critical validation techniques.Strong Python programming for automation and test framework development.Strong C programming skills for embedded software validation and debugging.Preferred QualificationsAutomotive Network ValidationExperience with automotive communication hardware and traffic generation tools including:Intrepid RAD-GigastarVector VN5610A / VN5640Automotive media convertersFamiliarity with network performance and traffic emulation tools such as:Keysight IxNetworkSpirent TestCenterExperience building network automation scripts using Scapy and Python.Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) & DebuggingExperience with Lauterbach Trace32 debugging environments.Experience with dSPACE ControlDesk and ConfigurationDesk.Experience with Vector VT System platforms.Knowledge of fault injection testing and automated bench validation.Experience configuring low-level registers, clocks, and peripheral drivers using vendor-specific tools.Functional Safety & Code QualityExperience with code coverage and safety validation tools including:QA Systems CantataParasoft C/C++testFamiliarity with static analysis and MISRA compliance tools:QA MISRAHelix QACSynopsys CoverityExperience supporting ISO 26262 software compliance activities.Job Info:Location: Palo Alto CA OR Long Beach CA (Can sit out of either location)Job Type: Contract / Full-TimeDuration: 1 year + Extensions / Possible FTE ConversionCompensation: $60.00 - $90.00 per hour