> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3226973-vehicle-integration-software-test-lead](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3226973-vehicle-integration-software-test-lead). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Vehicle Integration & Software Test Lead - **Company:** Ford Motor Company - **Location:** Palo Alto, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $150,200.0 - $283,500.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Testing (Software), Systems Engineering, Programming Tools, Ethernet, Performance Tuning, Software Engineering, Systems Integration, Data Logging, Integration Tests, Information Technology, Automotive Software - **Published:** September 10, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=656dfccc811a12ae ## About the Role We are seeking a highly motivated Vehicle Integration and Software Test Lead to help bring our electric vehicle platform from concept to production. This role will lead vehicle-level software integration and testing across the full vehicle, working closely with software, hardware, controls, validation, electrical, product, manufacturing, technicians, operators, and suppliers., * Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. * 7+ years of experience in automotive software, vehicle integration, software testing, systems engineering, or related technical roles. * Strong understanding of vehicle architecture, embedded systems, software integration, and vehicle-level test workflows. * Experience with CAN, LIN, Ethernet, diagnostics, flashing, and software release processes. * Hands-on experience troubleshooting vehicle systems, integration issues, and test failures. * Experience developing or executing software test plans for vehicle or embedded systems. * Familiarity with automotive development tools and processes. * Strong communication skills with the ability to lead cross-functional technical discussions. * Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment. Even better, you may have... * Experience with prototype vehicle bring-up, test track validation, and production launch. * Prior proving ground or track driver training. * Experience in an EV startup or high-growth automotive environment. * Knowledge of OTA updates, functional safety, cybersecurity, or diagnostics. * Experience with model-based development or middleware integration. * Familiarity with ISO 26262, FMVSS, ACC2, or related compliance standards. * Experience building processes from the ground up in an early-stage organization. ## Description This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can solve complex integration challenges, and is passionate about building exceptional EVs from the ground up. We are looking for a systems-minded technical leader who can connect software, hardware, and vehicle behavior; drive issues to closure; influence across disciplines; and balance strategic planning with hands-on execution. What you'll do... * Define and own the vehicle integration roadmap and software test strategy, including validation plans, regression coverage, and vehicle-level test plans. * Align integration and test activities with program milestones, hardware/software roadmaps, dependencies, and delivery timing. * Lead cross-functional coordination between software, systems, electrical, mechanical, validation, manufacturing, technicians, operators, and suppliers. * Serve as the central technical point of contact for vehicle integration and software test topics. * Lead vehicle-level software integration and testing across major domains, including powertrain, battery management, charging, infotainment, body controls, ADAS, and connectivity. * Partner with software and systems engineering teams to develop and execute embedded and vehicle-level test plans. * Lead pre-merge and post-merge vehicle-level testing, regression strategy, dogfooding activities, and defect closure. * Support software release planning and integration testing across a fleet of 150+ vehicles. * Plan test fleet utilization, including retrofits, instrumentation, vehicle shipping, and offsite testing at locations such as winter testing, MPG, and APG. * Coordinate prototype and production build bring-up, validation, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis. * Establish integration and software test processes, tools, dashboards, and best practices for a growing engineering organization. * Support calibration, tuning, data collection, logging, A2L, XCP/ATI usage, and vehicle attribute evaluations. * Own software maturity gate sign-off for track release, road release, customer release readiness, and launch milestones. * Document integration status, test results, risks, dependencies, and provide regular updates to engineering and program leadership. * Escalate risks and recommend tradeoffs across quality, cost, schedule, and regression coverage. ## Related Videos - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [AI Pair Programming with GitHub Copilot at SAP: Looking Back, Looking Forward!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1546-ai-pair-programming-with-github-copilot-at-sap-looking-back-looking-forward) - [Crypto-secure Data Management with In-Database Blockchain](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/632-crypto-secure-data-management-with-in-database-blockchain) - [The Gashlycrumb Tinies of AI Networking You Must Know (or Languish!)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2067-the-gashlycrumb-tinies-of-ai-networking-you-must-know-or-languish) - [Exploring AI: Opportunities and Risks in Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1267-exploring-ai-opportunities-and-risks-in-development) - [Build Delightful Mobile Experiences with Kotlin, Realm, and Atlas Device Sync](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/694-build-delightful-mobile-experiences-with-kotlin-realm-and-atlas-device-sync) ## Related Articles - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Now is the time for industrialized software development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/601-now-is-the-time-for-industrialized-software-development) - [Where To Find Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/396-where-to-find-software-engineering-jobs)