Director, Vehicle Systems Engineering

Job Description

About Ford

Come help build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. Ford Motor Company was built on the belief that freedom of movement drives human progress. It’s a belief that has fueled our passion to create great cars and trucks. And today, it drives our commitment to become the world’s most trusted mobility company, designing vehicles for a smart world that helps people move more safely, confidently, and freely. Ford is experiencing significant business transformation in an ever-changing propulsion and digital world, and we are looking for exceptional talent to join us on this journey.

About EVDD

Ford is redefining how it will build a better world for the future by creating a culture and opportunities where employees will capitalize on Ford’s excellence in designing and building the most iconic products while also helping develop the future of world-class connected EVs. Ford is transforming our global automotive business to scale EVs, strengthen operations, and unlock value. We will deliver the speed of a startup, with the deep expertise of high-volume production.

As part of the future, we have the EVDD function. Electric Vehicles, Digital and Design leadership – driving the future of the digital technologies.

Responsibilities

The Opportunity

The Director, Vehicle Systems Engineering will be reporting to the Executive Director of Platform Architecture and Prototyping.

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the Systems Engineering team leading FNV2 & 3, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Oversee the end-to-end development of vehicle features and systems, from concept to production, ensuring alignment with product requirements and company objectives.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including product management, design, software engineering, and hardware engineering to define feature requirements and drive execution.
• Provide technical guidance and expertise in areas such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), connectivity, infotainment, autonomous driving, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication.
• Ensure the highest standards of quality and reliability in feature development, including rigorous testing, validation, and verification processes.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks and challenges associated with feature development, proactively addressing issues to ensure successful delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize feature development processes, tools, and methodologies, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
• Communicate project status, risks, and opportunities to executive leadership and stakeholders, providing regular updates and insights.
  
  
  

Qualifications

Functional & Technical Knowledge

The Minimum Requirements We Seek

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of hands-on experience in system engineering, software development, or related technical roles within the automotive industry, with a deep understanding of software and hardware systems.
• Proven expertise in defining and developing secure and safe feature systems for vehicles, including a comprehensive understanding of safety, security power and performance requirements specific to automotive applications.
• Extensive knowledge of cybersecurity principles and best practices, with a track record of implementing robust security measures within feature systems to protect against cyber threats and ensure data integrity.
• Strong technical background in system architecture, integration, and validation processes, with the ability to design and optimize complex systems for optimal performance and reliability.
• In-depth understanding of over-the-air (OTA) update processes and technologies, with experience in managing and deploying software updates securely and efficiently to vehicles in the field.
• Familiarity with automotive safety standards and regulations, such as ISO 26262 and cybersecurity standards like ISO/SAE 21434, and the ability to apply these requirements to feature system development.
• Ability to define applications in an embedded system, with proficiency in developing software for embedded platforms and optimizing performance in resource-constrained environments.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively engage with cross-functional teams, external partners, and stakeholders to drive successful feature system development projects.
• Proven leadership abilities, with a track record of mentoring and guiding technical teams, fostering innovation, and delivering high-quality feature systems that meet safety, security, and performance objectives.
  
  
  

Our Preferred Requirements

• Masters degree preferred.
• Experience in implementing embedded systems including for safety critical embedded systems.
• Experience of embedded Linux, RTOS and related DevOps systems.
• Demonstrated time in role leading a large multi-disciplined organization focused on delivering development efficiency.
• Excellent communication skills both up and down the organization to achieve the desired results.
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrated examples of applying systemic thinking, logic and reasoning skills to be able to identify opportunities, alternative solutions or approaches to problems.
• Organizational skill: Strong collaboration skills, clear and concise direction coupled with an ability to move within the organization to complete work and balance tradeoffs.
• Strategic thinking: Demonstrated examples of driving strategy from concept through to Production.
  
  
  

What You'll Receive In Return

As part of the Ford family, you’ll enjoy excellent compensation, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous PTO, retirement, savings and stock investment plans, incentive compensation, and much more. You will experience a “Work from Anywhere” structure and the support needed to be successful in a remote environment. You’ll also experience exciting opportunities for professional and personal growth and recognition.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at time of hire. Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Ford Motor Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. 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.