EV Prototype Development Engineer: Labcars & HIL

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JOB SUMMARY
As a Prototype Development Engineer, you will be the bridge between conceptual design and physical reality. You will support the bring-up, integration, and maintenance of critical test assets, including advanced Labcars and prototype vehicles. This is a high-impact role where you will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and technicians to ensure our next-generation electric vehicle (EV) architectures are validated and ready for the future of mobility.

You won't just be maintaining hardware; you will be driving the launch of Ford’s most ambitious vehicle platforms.

Key Responsibilities
- Support the development and commissioning of Labcars, HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) benches, and prototype vehicles.
- Perform and oversee component installation, complex wiring, module software flashing, and network debugging (CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet).
- Troubleshoot and triage complex electrical and software integration issues, utilizing deep-dive analysis to resolve roadblocks during build events.
- Develop comprehensive test strategies to validate full-system functionality; perform rigorous regression testing to ensure system stability and performance consistency across multiple hardware and software iterations.
- Interface with Systems Integration teams to identify design changes between build phases and support iterative development cycles.
- Provide hands-on support during prototype build events, fleet management activities, and off-site testing.
- Maintain rigorous records of module status, hardware revisions, and integration maturity to provide clear visibility to stakeholders.
- Contribute to the design and development of test assets by leveraging CAD tools and cross-discipline (ME + EE) knowledge to support both electrical and mechanical validation needs.

Required Qualifications

- Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, or Software Engineering.

- Experience:

5+ years of hands-on experience in hardware-software integration, board bring-up, or vehicle systems engineering.
- Network Expertise: 5+ years of experience with vehicle communication protocols, specifically CAN, LIN, and Automotive Ethernet.
- Tooling: 3+ years of experience using embedded networking interface tools (e.g., CANalyzer, CANoe, Wireshark, VSPY3, or similar).
- Technical

Skills:

Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex electrical schematics and PCB assemblies. Experience writing and executing formal test plans with clear go/no-go criteria. Strong understanding of Embedded Systems fundamentals.
- CAD & Test Engineering:

Experience with CAD authoring tools and hands-on automotive EE testing, with the ability to support the design (both mechanical and electrical) of test assets.
- Travel:
Ability to travel 25%-75% to support vehicle builds and off-site testing.

Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced Knowledge:
Advanced vehicle architecture.
- Specialized EV

Experience:

Working knowledge of battery management systems (BMS), motor calibration, OBD diagnostics, and functional safety (ISO 26262).
- Data Acquisition:
Experience instrumenting sensor systems and using DAQ tools for high-fidelity data analysis.
- Prototype Development & Technical

Skills:

Hands-on support in prototype development, including CAD (CATIA or similar), PCB design (Altium or similar), HV/LV test asset design, harness fabrication and debugging, scripting (Python or similar), and test automation.