Senior Software Test Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Senior Embedded Systems Test Engineer to lead system-level verification and validation activities for advanced embedded products within Ford's Energy Management team.

The successful candidate will define and execute comprehensive test strategies across hardware and software boundaries, develop automated test solutions, perform Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) validation, and collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams throughout product development. This role requires strong expertise in embedded systems, automation, protocol testing, root cause analysis, and hardware-software integration.

• Define and execute system-level test strategies for embedded products, including functional, integration, regression, performance, reliability, and robustness testing.
• Develop and maintain automated test frameworks and scripts using Python, C/C++, or similar technologies.
• Design, configure, and operate Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and bench-level validation environments.
• Integrate test automation with laboratory equipment, including oscilloscopes, power supplies, signal generators, logic analysers, and protocol analysers.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, and systems engineering teams to define test requirements, acceptance criteria, and Design Verification Plans and Reports (DVP&R).
• Validate embedded communication interfaces including CAN, LIN, SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, and Automotive Ethernet.
• Analyse and debug system-level failures across the hardware-software stack and determine root causes related to firmware, hardware, integration, timing, or signal integrity.
• Develop requirements-based test cases, traceability matrices, and test coverage metrics.
• Conduct fault injection, boundary condition, stress, and reliability testing to assess system robustness.
• Support hardware bring-up activities and validation of new prototype designs.
• Continuously improve automation coverage, execution efficiency, and defect detection effectiveness.
• Participate in defect triage, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and corrective action activities.
• Mentor junior engineers on test methodologies, automation practices, and debugging techniques.
• Collaborate effectively with global engineering teams to support programme delivery and quality objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in embedded software testing, system validation, or hardware-software integration testing.
• Strong understanding of embedded systems architecture, microcontrollers, bootloaders, firmware design, memory management, and Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS).
• Hands-on experience testing communication protocols including CAN, LIN, SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, and Automotive Ethernet.
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or C/C++ for test automation and tool development.
• Experience working with laboratory instrumentation, including oscilloscopes, logic analysers, protocol analysers, power supplies, and Data Acquisition (DAQ) systems.
• Practical understanding of electronic hardware fundamentals, including schematics, power delivery, signal integrity, and sensor/actuator interfaces.
• Experience with defect tracking and test management tools such as Jira, TestRail, ALM, or similar platforms.
• Proficiency with Git version control and CI/CD-based validation workflows.
• Experience using requirements management tools, preferably Jama.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, debugging, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across global teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with electric vehicle systems, including Battery Management Systems, On-board Chargers, DC-DC Converters, or Motor Controllers.
• Knowledge of Automotive SPICE (ASPICE) processes.
• Familiarity with ISO 26262 functional safety concepts.
• Experience with Vector tools such as CANoe and CANalyzer.

Previous experience mentoring or leading junior engineers