Senior Software Developer In Test Jobs in Pleasanton, CA

In this position… As a Software Developer in Test, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining automated tests for our embedded software products. You will also be responsible for defining, decomposing, and realizing feature, function, interface, and testing requirements and associated integration efforts for Ford’s next-generation electronic systems and controls.

You will lead the end‑to‑end integration and testing of these systems, collaborating with cross‑functional teams to support product design, vehicle behavior definition, prototype bring‑up, and debugging.

• Design, build, and maintain comprehensive automotive system‑level test benches, ensuring seamless integration of hardware and software components for reliable and scalable test environments, with strong emphasis on Python‑driven automation.
• Develop comprehensive verification and validation plans, test plans, test cases, and test scripts to rigorously validate functional, non‑functional, performance, safety, and regression aspects of automotive software systems and components.
• Oversee and coordinate the development and validation of Distributed (Software, Electrical & Mechanical) Features on all UEV programs.
• Collaborate extensively with cross‑functional teams, including software developers (UX, HMI, Connectivity), controls engineers, and systems engineers to:
  • Develop item definition, identify the system goal, create technical requirements and test scenarios as per consumer electronics and automotive standards.
  • Author and release Core Feature Requirements and Specification documents (JAMA, FEDE, and JIRA).
  • Develop feature specifications, quality documents (Quality History, Parameter Diagram, Feature Failure Mode Avoidance (FMEA) documentation), feature verification plan, etc.
  • Review existing system designs to find new opportunities for cost or quality improvement, focusing on the end customer’s user experience.
  • Interact with hardware and software teams to develop specifications for must‑have products, collaborating with device owners, program teams, core engineers, and functional areas to balance competing requirements.
  • Execute test cases and test scripts, leveraging advanced Python automation to enhance testing efficiency, accuracy, and repeatability across various testing phases.
  • Decompose functional and non‑functional requirements to comprehensive test scenarios actionable against V&V test platforms and test infrastructure.
  • Create a constant feedback loop between field issues and functional requirements and test cases, ensuring left‑shifting testing and defect detection.

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree in Electrical/Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience in software testing, preferably with embedded systems in the automotive industry.
• Strong programming skills in Python, Rust, or other relevant languages used in embedded software development and verification.
• Experience writing automated tests in test frameworks such as Pytest, Slash, Robot Framework, or similar.
• Strong understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals and ability to apply them to automotive concepts.
• Experience with requirements capture in requirements management software platforms (JAMA, Polarion, DOORs, etc.).
• Strong experience debugging embedded systems at a module and/or system level, and ability to triage nightly regression failures.
• Experience with software testing tools, frameworks, and methodologies (e.g., requirements‑driven test development, unit testing, integration testing, system testing, automated testing).
• Experience designing/integrating/validating embedded software features across one or more of the following domains: network communication, cloud and connectivity, multimedia, infotainment, Android/iOS, low‑voltage power distribution.
• A systems approach to design and development, with eagerness for continuous improvement and collaborative, cross‑functional teamwork in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent teamwork, problem‑solving, communication, and project management skills.

• Electrical Systems Engineering experience including understanding of systems engineering V‑model.
• Experience with Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HARA).
• Familiarity with common electronic components and comfort reading circuit design schematics & data sheets.
• Ability to work independently on technical tasks, effective troubleshooting, and problem‑solving with minimal supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication, and teamwork skills.
• A systems approach to design and development with the desire and curiosity to strive for exceptional delivery execution and continuous improvement.
• Experience with model‑based systems engineering (MBSE) tools.
• Experience with vehicle launch.

You may not check every box, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

For more information on salary and benefits, see https://fordcareers.co/GSR

Visa sponsorship is 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.

• Job Identification 64642
• Job Category PD Operations and Quality
• Posting Date 07/07/2026, 11:41 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 3210 Porter Dr, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, US (Hybrid)