Software Engineer Jobs at Ford Motor Company with Visa Sponsorship
Software Engineer jobs at Ford Motor Company span vehicle software, embedded systems, connected car platforms, and autonomous driving. The company has an established sponsorship infrastructure that supports international engineers through multiple visa pathways, making it a realistic target for candidates who need work authorization.
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Job ID
64642
Location
Palo Alto, California
Category
PD Operations and Quality
Overview
At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move.
- Job Type: Full time
- Work Type: Hybrid
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.
What you'll do...
- Design, build, and maintain comprehensive automotive system-level test benches, ensuring their seamless integration of hardware and software components for reliable and scalable test environments, with a 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.
- Overseeing and coordinating the development and validation of Distributed (e.g. Software, Electrical & Mechanical) Features on all UEV programs.
- Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including software developers (e.g. 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
- Authoring and releasing 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, with a keen focus on the end customer’s user experience.
- Interact with hardware and software teams to come up with specification development for must have products, collaborating with device owners, program teams, core engineers and functional areas to create balanced solutions to 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 that are actionable against V&V test platforms and test infrastructure.
- Create a constant feedback loop between field issues and functional requirements and test cases, ensuring that we are left-shifting testing and defect detection.
You'll have...
- 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 the 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, and low-voltage power distribution.
- A systems approach to design and development, with an eagerness for continuous improvement and collaborative, cross-functional teamwork in a dynamic environment.
- Excellent teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
Even better, you may have...
- 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, 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.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: 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.
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-SE1
Change the world with your ideas.
Speak up. We’re listening. At Ford, we believe the right ideas, and the people behind them, can move an entire industry. Here, you'll work with teams who value your voice, push bold ideas forward, and leave a mark that lasts.
Support designed to go the distance.
From day one, Ford invests in you with medical benefits built to help you plan for what’s next. You’ll also get support for you and your family that meets you at every step, so you can move forward with confidence.
Health and Wellness
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, mental health, and unique wellness perks keep you and your family supported every step of the way.
Financial and Retirement Programs
Build a strong financial future with robust retirement contributions, savings programs, and free personalized financial planning tools.
Flexible Vacation and Holidays
Enjoy your time away from work with generous vacation, holidays, and flexible family leave designed to help you balance life and work with ease.
Vehicle Discount Program
The best thing about building great products is driving them! The second-best thing: sharing your discount with family and friends so they can drive them, too.
Family Growth and Support
Grow your family confidently with fertility, surrogacy, and adoption assistance, paid parental leave, and a supportive new-parent ramp-up program.
Additional Programs
Enjoy unexpected extras like pet insurance, legal services, identity protection, and access to convenient health and wellness services.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Software Engineer Jobs at Ford Motor Company
Align your portfolio to Ford's software domains
Ford's Software Engineer openings cluster around ADAS, vehicle connectivity, and cloud-based telematics. Frame your resume and GitHub projects around embedded C++, ROS, or automotive-grade software stacks rather than generic web development experience.
Verify your degree meets specialty occupation standards
USCIS requires H-1B roles to qualify as specialty occupations. For software engineering, a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a directly related field is the baseline. A general IT or business degree may complicate your petition.
Target Ford's internal mobility and rotational programs
Ford runs structured engineering rotational programs that frequently convert to full-time sponsored roles. F-1 OPT candidates who enter through these pipelines often transition into H-1B sponsorship before their OPT period expires, giving you a built-in runway.
Understand Ford's PERM timeline before accepting an offer
If you're pursuing a Green Card through EB-2 or EB-3, PERM labor certification with DOL typically takes 12 to 18 months before the I-140 stage. Clarify early in the offer negotiation whether Ford initiates PERM promptly or waits until a milestone date.
Use Migrate Mate to filter Ford Software Engineer openings by visa type
Ford posts across multiple job boards, but not all listings signal sponsorship availability. Migrate Mate lets you filter Ford's Software Engineer roles specifically by visa type, so you're only applying to positions where your work authorization is already confirmed as supported.
Prepare for Ford's technical process before the recruiter call
Ford's Software Engineer interviews typically include system design rounds focused on automotive software architecture alongside coding assessments. Sponsorship conversations happen at the offer stage, so getting through the technical rounds first is what puts you in a position to negotiate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ford Motor Company sponsor H-1B visas for Software Engineers?
Yes, Ford Motor Company sponsors H-1B visas for Software Engineers. The company has an established immigration infrastructure and works with legal counsel to file H-1B petitions for qualifying roles. Software Engineering at Ford typically meets USCIS specialty occupation standards given the degree requirements in computer science, electrical engineering, or related fields. Sponsorship is generally discussed during the offer stage, not before.
Which visa types does Ford Motor Company commonly sponsor for Software Engineers?
Ford sponsors H-1B, E-3 visa (for Australian citizens), TN visa (for Canadian and Mexican nationals), and F-1 OPT and CPT for students. For longer-term pathways, Ford supports EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card sponsorship through PERM labor certification with DOL. The right visa depends on your citizenship, degree, and how long you've been in the U.S., so the path varies by candidate.
How do I apply for Software Engineer jobs at Ford Motor Company?
You can search and apply directly through Ford's careers portal at ford.com/careers. To find roles confirmed for visa sponsorship, Migrate Mate lets you browse Ford's Software Engineer openings filtered by visa type, which removes the guesswork of which positions support international candidates. Apply with a resume tailored to Ford's focus areas: embedded systems, ADAS, vehicle connectivity, and cloud platforms.
What qualifications does Ford expect for Software Engineer roles requiring visa sponsorship?
Most Ford Software Engineer roles require a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, software engineering, or a closely related field. USCIS requires this degree alignment for H-1B specialty occupation approval, so a mismatched degree can create petition complications. Hands-on experience with automotive software frameworks, real-time operating systems, or connected vehicle platforms strengthens both your application and your visa petition.
How do I time my H-1B filing if I'm on F-1 OPT at Ford?
Ford would need to file your H-1B petition by the April 1 registration deadline for the following October 1 start date. If you're on 12-month OPT, work backward from that window. STEM OPT extension gives you up to 36 months total, which covers two H-1B lottery cycles if you're not selected in the first round. Confirm Ford's internal sponsorship deadlines with your recruiter well before the USCIS registration period opens in March.