Senior Security Engineer at Ford in Palo Alto, CA

About Ford

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive leader with over 120 years of innovation, driving the future of mobility. From iconic vehicles to cutting-edge connected technologies, Ford pioneers intelligent vehicles and cloud services that redefine transportation. Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, Ford employs over 170,000 people worldwide, investing billions in electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and software-defined vehicles. In Palo Alto, Ford's Silicon Valley hub fuels collaboration with tech giants, accelerating advancements in connected vehicle ecosystems. Join Ford to protect customer data while shaping the automotive industry's digital transformation.

Role Overview

As a Senior Security Engineer at Ford in Palo Alto, CA, you will partner with Cloud Engineering teams to fortify Connected Vehicle Cloud services. Your expertise ensures these platforms meet the highest security standards, safeguarding millions of Ford customers and their sensitive data. This full-time role demands a proactive approach to cybersecurity in a fast-paced automotive environment, blending cloud-native security with vehicle telematics. Ideal for seasoned engineers passionate about secure-by-design principles in the era of software-defined vehicles.

Key Responsibilities

In this critical position, your impact will span the security lifecycle of Ford's cloud infrastructure:

• Collaborate closely with Cloud Engineering to architect secure Connected Vehicle Cloud services from inception.
• Perform threat modeling, risk assessments, and vulnerability management to preempt security risks.
• Implement robust IAM, encryption, and network security controls tailored to automotive data flows.
• Integrate DevSecOps pipelines for continuous security testing in CI/CD workflows.
• Monitor cloud environments using SIEM tools and orchestrate incident response for rapid threat mitigation.
• Ensure compliance with automotive standards like ISO/SAE 21434 and general regulations such as GDPR and CCPA.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to Ford's security roadmap for next-gen mobility solutions.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel as Ford's Senior Security Engineer, bring these credentials:

• Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• 5-8+ years in cloud security, with hands-on experience in AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
• Deep knowledge of security tools like Terraform, Kubernetes security, and cloud-native services (e.g., AWS GuardDuty, Azure Sentinel).
• Proven track record in automotive cybersecurity, IoT security, or connected systems preferred.
• Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CCSP, or AWS Certified Security - Specialty highly valued.
• Strong scripting skills in Python, Bash, or Go for automation.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.

Preferred Experience

Experience with vehicle-to-cloud communication protocols (e.g., MQTT, HTTPS), OTA updates, or automotive cybersecurity frameworks will set you apart.

Benefits & Perks

Ford offers a premium compensation package designed for top talent:

• Estimated salary range: $165,000 - $235,000 USD annually, based on automotive sector benchmarks with performance incentives.
• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and wellness programs.
• 401(k) with generous company match and immediate vesting.
• Hybrid work model in vibrant Palo Alto, with flexible scheduling.
• Paid parental leave, adoption assistance, and employee assistance programs.
• Discounts on Ford vehicles and exclusive partner perks.

Career Growth

At Ford, your career accelerates like our vehicles. This Senior Security Engineer role is a launchpad to leadership in cybersecurity, with opportunities in Ford's Model e division for EVs and AVs. Access mentorship from industry veterans, internal mobility across global teams, and funded certifications. Ford's commitment to employee development includes leadership programs and hackathons, fostering innovation in Palo Alto's tech ecosystem.

Why Join Us

Be part of Ford's transformation into a tech-forward mobility company. In Palo Alto, collaborate with Stanford affiliates and Silicon Valley innovators. Protect real-world impact: your work secures data for millions driving Ford's connected fleet. Enjoy a culture of inclusion, sustainability, and bold ideas, backed by a century-old legacy. Ford values diversity, offering equal opportunity and veteran hiring initiatives.

Role FAQs

What is the work environment like?

Hybrid setup in Palo Alto, emphasizing collaboration with agile teams. Expect dynamic projects blending automotive and cloud tech.

Is relocation assistance provided?

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

What security clearances are required?

No U.S. government clearance needed; focus is on technical expertise and background checks.

How does Ford support work-life balance?

Flexible hours, unlimited PTO accrual, and mental health resources promote sustainability.

Can I apply if I lack automotive experience?

Strong cloud security background is primary; automotive knowledge is advantageous but trainable.

Ready to secure the future of mobility? Apply now for Ford's Senior Security Engineer role in Palo Alto, CA. Optimize your career with keywords like 'Ford security jobs,' 'cloud security engineer automotive,' and 'Palo Alto cybersecurity careers.' Ford is an equal opportunity employer.