Software Systems Engineer Jobs at Ford Motor Company with Visa Sponsorship
Software Systems Engineer jobs at Ford Motor Company span vehicle software platforms, embedded systems, and connected mobility. The company has an established process for sponsoring work visas for this function, making it a realistic target if you're on an H-1B visa, E-3 visa, F-1 OPT, or TN visa and building a career in automotive software.
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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
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.
What you'll do...
Domain Ownership & Architecture:
- Serve as a technical anchor for the Thermal Subsystem (HVAC & Powertrain Thermal), bridging mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines.
- Define and drive the development roadmap for application logic, component controls, and diagnostics.
- Orchestrate the development workflow (Sprint planning, JIRA), ensuring technical risks are identified and eliminated early.
Device & Application Integration:
- Lead the selection and integration of new hardware, authoring precise interface requirements for suppliers and internal controls teams.
- Collaborate with control algorithm engineers to optimize system performance and efficiency.
- Negotiate interfaces and behaviors with cross-functional teams (e.g., Infotainment, Powertrain) to ensure a seamless customer experience.
Firmware Verification & Validation:
- Design and execute comprehensive pre-merge verification plans to ensure software robustness.
- Conduct hands-on validation using bench setups and vehicle assets, utilizing advanced debugging tools to root-cause complex integration issues.
- Review code (C/C++) and sign off on software releases, maintaining a high standard for code quality and system safety.
You'll have...
- Bachelor's or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
- 3+ years of experience in embedded systems, firmware integration, or systems engineering.
- Strong understanding of mechatronic fundamentals (sensors, actuators, motors) and how they interact with embedded software.
- Proven debugging and diagnostic skills in electrical, mechanical, and software domains.
- Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded targets.
- Experience with automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet).
Even better, you may have...
- Master’s degree in a relevant engineering field.
- Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies and workflow management (JIRA, Confluence).
- Proficiency with vector tools (CANalyzer, CANape) or similar calibration/debugging tools.
- Scripting experience for data analysis or test automation (Python, MATLAB).
- Familiarity with functional safety standards (ISO 26262) and risk assessment (FMEA/HARA).
- Knowledge of thermal dynamics, fluid mechanics, or HVAC principles.
See all Software Systems Engineer Jobs at Ford Motor Company
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Software Systems Engineer Jobs at Ford Motor Company
Align your resume to Ford's software domains
Ford's Software Systems Engineer roles split across ADAS, vehicle networking, and over-the-air update systems. Frame your experience around embedded systems, AUTOSAR, or CAN bus protocols rather than generic software engineering to pass the specialty occupation threshold USCIS applies.
Target Ford's BlueCruise and connected vehicle teams
Ford actively builds out software-defined vehicle capabilities under Ford Pro and Ford Blue divisions. Applying directly to these teams signals alignment with active investment areas, where open requisitions stay open longer and sponsorship decisions move faster than in maintenance-mode programs.
Clarify your OPT STEM extension eligibility before applying
Software Systems Engineering typically qualifies under STEM OPT if your degree is in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. Confirm your degree CIP code with your DSO before Ford's HR runs E-Verify, since any mismatch delays your authorization start date.
Ask Ford's recruiter about LCA timing upfront
Ford files a Labor Condition Application with the DOL before submitting your H-1B petition. Ask during the offer stage how long their internal LCA preparation takes, since that step adds two to four weeks before USCIS even receives the I-129 filing.
Use Migrate Mate to surface Ford's active sponsorship roles
Ford posts Software Systems Engineer openings across multiple requisition systems and they don't all appear in one place. Use Migrate Mate to browse Ford's current visa-sponsoring roles filtered by category, so you're targeting open positions rather than cold-applying to generic job boards.
Document your degree equivalency for three-year Australian credentials
If you're applying on an E-3, Ford's HR team may flag a three-year Australian bachelor's degree during the specialty occupation review. Get a credential evaluation from a NACES-member agency before your offer letter arrives so the assessment is ready when the I-129 is prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ford Motor Company sponsor H-1B visas for Software Systems Engineers?
Yes, Ford Motor Company sponsors H-1B visas for Software Systems Engineers. The role qualifies as a specialty occupation under USCIS standards because it typically requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a closely related field. Ford's established immigration process means sponsorship is handled internally rather than outsourced entirely, which can make the timeline more predictable once you have a written offer.
Which visa types does Ford Motor Company commonly use for Software Systems Engineers?
Ford sponsors H-1B, E-3, TN, and F-1 OPT for Software Systems Engineers, as well as immigrant visa pathways including EB-2 and EB-3 for longer-term sponsorship. Australian citizens pursuing the E-3 benefit from no lottery requirement. Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying engineering roles can use the TN category. F-1 students in STEM fields can begin on OPT before transitioning to an employer-sponsored petition.
How do I apply for Software Systems Engineer jobs at Ford Motor Company?
Applications go through Ford's careers portal at ford.com, where roles are posted by division including Ford Blue, Ford Pro, and Ford Model e. Filtering by software or systems engineering disciplines surfaces the most relevant positions. You can also browse Ford's current visa-sponsoring Software Systems Engineer openings on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for roles open to sponsored candidates so you're not guessing about eligibility.
What qualifications does Ford look for in Software Systems Engineers they'll sponsor?
Ford's Software Systems Engineer roles typically require a bachelor's degree or higher in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science. Practical experience with embedded systems development, real-time operating systems, or vehicle communication protocols such as CAN or Ethernet is valued. Roles supporting ADAS or software-defined vehicle platforms often expect familiarity with AUTOSAR, Model-Based Design using MATLAB or Simulink, or functional safety frameworks like ISO 26262.
How do I estimate the timeline from offer to work authorization at Ford?
For H-1B transfers or cap-exempt filings, the sequence runs from LCA certification with the DOL (roughly seven business days) through USCIS adjudication, which takes two to three months with standard processing or two to three weeks with premium processing. E-3 applicants going through consular processing in Australia typically see a faster end-to-end timeline. TN candidates can often start sooner because approval happens at the port of entry rather than through a USCIS petition.