Senior Developer, Productivity Engineer at Ford in Palo Alto, CA

About Ford

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive leader with over 120 years of innovation, powering the world with iconic vehicles and pioneering electric and autonomous mobility solutions. Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, Ford employs over 170,000 people worldwide, driving advancements in connected vehicles, software-defined architectures, and sustainable transportation. In Palo Alto, Ford's strategic hub in Silicon Valley, our teams blend automotive expertise with cutting-edge technology to redefine the future of mobility. As a Senior Developer, Productivity Engineer, you'll join Ford's elite engineering group, contributing to tools that accelerate our mission to build a better world.

Role Overview

The Senior Developer, Productivity Engineer role at Ford in Palo Alto, CA, is a pivotal position within our software engineering organization. You'll spearhead the creation of high-impact productivity tools that empower developers to innovate faster in the fast-paced automotive industry. This full-time role demands expertise in modern development practices, automation, and collaboration tools, enabling Ford's teams to deliver groundbreaking features for vehicles like the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E. With Ford's commitment to software excellence, you'll work on scalable solutions that enhance code quality, deployment speed, and team efficiency, all while enjoying the vibrant tech ecosystem of Palo Alto.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll take ownership of engineering productivity initiatives:

• Architect and implement developer tools, including internal platforms for code review, testing automation, and deployment orchestration.
• Optimize CI/CD pipelines using tools like Jenkins, GitHub Actions, and Kubernetes to reduce build times and improve reliability.
• Analyze engineering metrics with data tools like Tableau or Splunk to identify bottlenecks and propose data-driven enhancements.
• Collaborate with product managers, designers, and fellow engineers to integrate productivity features into Ford's software stack.
• Lead code reviews, mentor junior staff, and champion best practices in agile environments.

Daily Impact

Expect hands-on coding in Python, JavaScript, and cloud-native technologies, alongside strategic planning for long-term productivity gains. Your work directly supports Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving and SYNC infotainment systems.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel as Ford's Senior Developer, Productivity Engineer:

• Hold a Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent.
• Possess 5+ years in software development, with 2+ years focused on developer productivity or DevOps.
• Demonstrate proficiency in programming languages like Python, Go, or JavaScript; containerization (Docker); and orchestration (Kubernetes).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and monitoring tools (Prometheus, Grafana).
• Strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication, and a passion for automotive innovation.

Preferred Experience

Prior work in automotive, IoT, or high-scale environments is a plus, along with contributions to open-source productivity projects.

Benefits & Perks

Ford offers a premium compensation package tailored for top talent in Palo Alto:

• Estimated salary range of $165,000 - $225,000 USD annually, based on automotive sector benchmarks with performance incentives.
• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and wellness programs.
• Generous 401(k) with company match up to 6%, plus stock purchase plans.
• Flexible PTO, hybrid work model, and commuter assistance for Palo Alto location.
• Tuition reimbursement, leadership training, and access to Ford's Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Lifestyle Perks

Enjoy onsite fitness centers, EV charging stations, and proximity to Stanford University for continuous learning.

Career Growth

At Ford, career progression is data-driven and merit-based. As a Senior Developer, Productivity Engineer, you'll have opportunities to advance to Lead Engineer, Engineering Manager, or specialized roles in Ford's Model e division. Our Palo Alto team participates in global rotations, hackathons, and partnerships with tech giants like Google and NVIDIA. With Ford's $30B+ investment in EVs and autonomy, your contributions will propel you toward executive tracks in software leadership.

Why Join Us

Ford isn't just building cars; we're engineering the future of transportation. In Palo Alto, you'll thrive in a collaborative culture that values innovation, diversity, and impact. Be part of game-changing projects like Ford Pro software for fleets and next-gen ADAS systems. With competitive pay, unparalleled benefits, and the chance to work on world-shaping tech, this role offers stability in a dynamic industry. Ford's commitment to sustainability—aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050—means your work matters globally.

Role FAQs

What is the work environment like?

Hybrid model with 3 days in-office at our state-of-the-art Palo Alto campus, fostering collaboration amid Silicon Valley's innovation hub.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Yes, comprehensive relocation support for qualified candidates moving to Palo Alto, CA.

What tools does the team use?

Modern stack including GitHub, Jira, Confluence, AWS, and custom Ford platforms for automotive-specific development.

How does Ford support work-life balance?

Unlimited PTO accrual, mental health resources, and family leave policies exceed industry standards.

Apply Today

Ready to accelerate Ford's productivity revolution? Submit your application now and join the movers of the world.