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Principal Diagnostics Engineer

Ford

Dover, DE
Full Time
Senior
6 days ago

Job Description

About the Role

The Principal Diagnostics Engineer role is essential to advancing the development of Manufacturing Diagnostics and Testing Tools for the next generation of Ford vehicles. In this role, you will lead the creation of advanced diagnostic, testing, and flashing tools across a broad technology stack, from embedded systems to high-level server platforms. Success requires exceptional technical expertise and innovative problem-solving in safety-critical, real-time environments. This role suits candidates passionate about fast-paced, collaborative environments and eager to shape the future of automotive manufacturing. The Digital Manufacturing Systems team is seeking a highly motivated Principal Diagnostics Engineer to play a key role in imagining, inventing, and implementing cutting-edge technology that manufactures the next generation of Ford vehicles. This role is not just about writing code; it's about pioneering solutions that push boundaries on uncharted hardware and software platforms within the bold Vehicle-as-X vision, transforming vehicles into intelligent, autonomous participants that self-calibrate, self-test, self-report, and self-manage throughout their lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of diagnostic, testing, and flashing tools that enable vehicles to self-manage throughout their lifecycle.
  • Design solutions spanning low-level embedded systems to high-level server-side platforms for continuous self-testing, autonomous software updates, real-time data reporting, and seamless integration between factory systems and vehicle platforms.
  • Own and advance in-house diagnostic, testing, and flashing capabilities to rapidly innovate and improve manufacturing yield and customer experience.
  • Shape systems that go beyond traditional paradigms, creating never-done-before solutions for hardware and software platforms.
  • Collaborate with hardware engineers, manufacturing quality teams, calibration specialists, and data analytics groups to develop and integrate diagnostic solutions.
  • Define and drive KPIs related to manufacturing yield, defect reduction, and failure detection rates, aligning diagnostics development with business outcomes.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Extensive experience (10+ years) in software engineering, with a strong background in embedded systems and automotive software platforms.
  • Proven leadership in architecting and delivering complex automation, diagnostic, or test frameworks integrated with hardware-software ecosystems.
  • Deep understanding of hardware-software integration challenges specific to diagnostic toolchains, including root cause analysis, logging, and fault injection in vehicle assembly and operation.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-disciplinary collaboration with hardware engineers, manufacturing quality teams, calibration specialists, and data analytics groups.
  • Expertise in designing diagnostic tools and frameworks that ensure high performance, scalability, and reliability in high-volume manufacturing environments.
  • Experience defining and driving KPIs related to manufacturing yield, defect reduction, and failure detection.
  • 10+ years proficiency in C# and related frameworks (such as .NET) for server-side development.
  • Substantial experience in front-end development using AngularJS and its ecosystem.
  • 3+ years hands-on experience with cloud technologies, preferably Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
  • Knowledge of infrastructure as code tools like Terraform and containerization technologies such as Docker.
  • Strong understanding of modern software development practices including TDD, DDD, and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Experience working in fast-paced, innovative environments with emerging hardware and software platforms.
  • Extensive experience with automotive diagnostic protocols and standards such as UDS, OBD-II, CAN, LIN, and ISO 14229.
  • Strong knowledge of functional safety standards (ISO 26262) and cybersecurity principles applicable to automotive diagnostics and flashing tools.

Nice to Have

  • Experience with cloud infrastructure management and scalable deployment.
  • Familiarity with vehicle lifecycle management and autonomous vehicle technology.
  • Leadership experience in a technical or engineering team.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in relevant engineering or computer science fields.
  • 10+ years of experience in software engineering, particularly in embedded and automotive systems.

Benefits & Perks

  • 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.
  • Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments.
  • Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, management leases.
  • Tuition assistance.
  • Established and active employee resource groups.
  • Paid time off for community service.
  • Paid holidays including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
  • Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

Working at Ford

Ford Motor Company values innovation, collaboration, and pushing technological boundaries. The company fosters a fast-paced environment that encourages bold thinking, continuous improvement, and collective success. Employees are supported through comprehensive benefits, resource groups, and opportunities for career growth in a global, inclusive workplace.

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Job Details

Posted AtJul 18, 2025
Job CategoryQA Engineering
SalaryCompetitive salary
Job TypeFull Time
ExperienceSenior

Job Skills

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About Ford

Website

ford.com

Location

Dover, DE

Industry

Automobile and Light Duty Motor Vehicle Manufacturing

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