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Automotive Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Engineer

Allen Park, MI · Hybrid

$119.90K - $157.80K/yr

OEM is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Software Design & Release Engineer to join our ... Strong understanding of automotive software development processes, including familiarity with ...

Embedded Engineer

Allen Park, MI · On-site

$119.90K - $157.80K/yr

OEM is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Software Design & Release Engineer to join our ... Strong understanding of automotive software development processes, including familiarity with ...

Embedded Engineer

Allen Park, MI · On-site

$119.90K - $157.80K/yr

OEM is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Software Design & Release Engineer to join our ... Strong understanding of automotive software development processes, including familiarity with ...

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Automotive Software Engineer information

See salary details

$56.5K

$141K

$241K

How much do automotive software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive software engineer in the United States is $141,011.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $186,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is an Automotive Software Engineer?

An automotive software engineer is responsible for the design and development of software systems used in car technology. These solutions may be used to control various environmental systems of a car, such as its wheels for automatic parking. As an automotive software engineer, your job duties include designing software solutions, programming software, and troubleshooting bugs. The career typically requires a bachelor’s in engineering, although some employers may prefer a master’s degree. You also need experience with software or system development in the automotive field, as well as an understanding of software design methods, operating systems, and programming languages. Additional qualifications include excellent technical skills and analytical problem-solving ability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automotive Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, embedded systems, and automotive-specific protocols, usually supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency with programming languages like C/C++, MATLAB/Simulink, and experience using automotive tools such as CAN, AUTOSAR, and diagnostic systems is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this role. These capabilities are crucial for developing reliable, safe, and innovative automotive software in a highly regulated and technologically advanced industry.

What are some common challenges Automotive Software Engineers face when integrating software with vehicle hardware?

Automotive Software Engineers often encounter challenges related to ensuring seamless communication between software systems and a variety of vehicle hardware components, such as sensors and electronic control units (ECUs). This requires a deep understanding of embedded systems, real-time processing, and rigorous testing to meet industry safety and reliability standards. Additionally, engineers must adapt to rapidly evolving automotive technologies and maintain compliance with strict regulatory requirements. Collaboration with hardware engineers and cross-functional teams is essential to address these challenges efficiently.

What does an Automotive Software Engineer do?

An Automotive Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains software systems used in vehicles. This includes software for vehicle control systems, infotainment, safety features, navigation, and autonomous driving technologies. They work closely with hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration between software and automotive components. Their role is critical in modern vehicles, which rely heavily on software for functionality, safety, and user experience.
What cities are hiring for Automotive Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Automotive Software Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Software Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Automotive Software Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Automotive Software Engineer jobs? The top employers for Automotive Software Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Automotive Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Automotive Software Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Automotive Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,011 per year, or $67.8 per hour.
Protected DC-DC Software Application Engineer

Protected DC-DC Software Application Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Protected DC-DC Software Application Engineer
We made history and now we work to transform the future - for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
Ford's Electric Vehicles, Digital and Design (EVDD) team is charged with delivering the company's vision of a fully electric transportation future. EVDD is customer-obsessed, entrepreneurial, and data-driven and is dedicated to delivering industry-leading customer experience for electric vehicle buyers and owners. You'll join an agile team of doers pioneering our EV future by working collaboratively, staying focused on only what matters, and delivering excellence day in and day out. Join us to make positive change by helping build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.
In this position...
Ford is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Software Application Engineer to join our innovative Body Controls organization. In this critical role, you will be responsible for the design, development, integration, testing, and release of embedded software for advanced DC-DC converter solutions that power and manage various electrical systems within Ford's next-generation vehicles.
This position demands an understanding of embedded software development, real-time control systems, functional safety, cybersecurity, and automotive electrical architectures, ensuring our DCDC software is robust, efficient, safe, and compliant with global automotive standards. You will collaborate with our core software team, during the software product lifecycle from concept to production, collaborating with cross-functional teams and external suppliers to deliver world-class power control software for critical body electronic systems. You will manage the entire software lifecycle for 48V DCDC modules, ensuring that all software implementations meet Ford's stringent functional, cybersecurity, and quality standards, and are delivered on time to support key program milestones.
This position requires a deep understanding of automotive power supply systems and robust automotive software development and delivery processes.
Responsibilities
What you'll do...
  • Lead the design, development, and release of embedded software for 48V DCDC converter components, collaborating closely with external suppliers.
  • Translate Ford's functional, performance, diagnostic, cybersecurity, safety, and quality requirements into clear and actionable software specifications for suppliers.
  • Act as the primary technical interface for software-related topics between Ford and supplier engineering teams, fostering strong partnerships.
  • Review and approve supplier software designs, architectures, test plans, and validation reports to ensure compliance with Ford standards and industry best practices (e.g., ASPICE, ISO 26262).
  • Monitor supplier software development progress, track key performance indicators, and manage deliverables to ensure adherence to program timelines and quality gates.
  • Facilitate efficient resolution of technical issues and defects during all phases of the software development lifecycle, including root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
  • Ensure rigorous software validation and verification activities are conducted, supporting both bench and vehicle-level testing.
  • Support vehicle integration and testing efforts for the 48V DCDC component, troubleshooting software-related issues as they arise.
  • Participate in cross-functional team meetings, design reviews, FMEAs, and other quality-related processes to ensure robust product development.
  • Understanding of power electronics fundamentals and DCDC converter operation, particularly for low-voltage or specific body system power requirements.
  • Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in automotive software, power electronics, and 48V systems.

Qualifications
You'll have...
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field. or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
  • 3+ years of experience in embedded software development and delivery within the automotive industry.
    Experience included in 3+ years of Software Delivery experience :
    • Strong understanding of automotive software development processes, including
    • familiarity with ASPICE and ISO 26262.
    • Demonstrated knowledge of power electronics, specifically DC-DC converters and 48V vehicle architectures.
    • Experience working with automotive suppliers on software development projects
    • Understanding of cybersecurity principles as applied to automotive embedded systems
    • Excellent problem-solving skills and experience with Root Cause Analysis (RCA) methodologies.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
    • Strong project management and organizational skills.

Even better, you may have...
  • Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
  • Experience with Ford's Global Product Development System (GPDS) and related tools (e.g., WERS,Integrator).
  • Experience with software validation tools and methodologies.
  • Knowledge of advanced control techniques for power converters.
  • Knowledge of diagnostic protocols (e.g., UDS, OBD-II).
  • Familiarity with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, JAMA).

Prior experience with component testing on benches or dynos.
You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
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.
This position is a salary grades 6 -8 and ranges from $85,400-$192,900.,
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here:
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.
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. #LI-Hybrid
#LI-JS1

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About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982