Sr Hardware Engineer at Ford in Dearborn, MI

About Ford

Ford Motor Company, headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, is a global automotive leader with over 120 years of innovation. We pioneered the moving assembly line and continue to shape the future with electric vehicles, autonomous driving tech, and connected car systems. As a Sr Hardware Engineer, you'll contribute to Ford's mission of building smarter, safer, and more sustainable vehicles. Our Dearborn campus is at the heart of our R&D, offering state-of-the-art facilities and collaboration with top talent.

Role Overview

The Sr Hardware Engineer position in Dearborn, MI, is a pivotal role within Ford's advanced engineering teams. You'll lead the design, development, and validation of hardware for next-generation automotive systems, including infotainment, ADAS, and powertrain electronics. This full-time role demands expertise in hardware engineering within the fast-paced automotive sector, where precision and innovation drive success. With Ford's commitment to electric and autonomous vehicles, your work will directly impact millions of drivers worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

As a Sr Hardware Engineer at Ford, your responsibilities include:

• Leading the design of complex hardware architectures for automotive applications, utilizing tools like Altium Designer or Cadence Allegro.
• Creating detailed schematics, PCB layouts, and bill of materials (BOM) for production-ready prototypes.
• Performing signal integrity analysis, power distribution simulations, and thermal management to ensure robust performance.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, mechanical designers, and validation experts, to integrate hardware into vehicle platforms.
• Executing design verification testing (DVT), including environmental stress screening and EMC compliance testing per automotive standards like ISO 26262.
• Troubleshooting and resolving hardware issues during development and production phases.
• Mentoring junior engineers and contributing to best practices in hardware engineering methodologies.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel as a Sr Hardware Engineer at Ford, you need:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience in hardware design, preferably in automotive or high-reliability industries.
• Proficiency in PCB design software, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and simulation tools like SPICE or HyperLynx.
• Strong knowledge of embedded systems, microcontrollers (ARM, NXP), sensors, and automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet).
• Experience with functional safety standards (ASIL) and design for manufacturability (DFM).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to thrive in agile, team-oriented environments.

Ford values diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups in engineering.

Benefits & Perks

Ford offers an industry-leading compensation package for Sr Hardware Engineers:

• Estimated salary range of $120,000 - $170,000 annually, based on experience, plus performance incentives.
• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and wellness programs.
• Retirement savings with 401(k) matching up to 6%.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and flexible work arrangements, including hybrid options in Dearborn.
• Employee discounts on Ford vehicles, tuition assistance, and stock purchase plans.
• On-site fitness centers, cafeterias, and EV charging stations at our Dearborn facilities.

Career Growth

At Ford, career progression is a reality. Sr Hardware Engineers advance to Principal Engineer, Hardware Architect, or leadership roles in EV and autonomy programs. We invest in your growth through Ford College, mentorship programs, and conferences like Embedded World or CES. Many alumni lead global teams, shaping Ford's BlueOval SK battery plants and software-defined vehicles.

Professional Development Opportunities

Access certifications in automotive hardware, leadership training, and rotations across Ford's global sites, from Michigan to Europe and Asia.

Why Join Us

Join Ford in Dearborn to work on transformative projects like the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E. Our culture fosters innovation, with a focus on work-life balance and inclusion. Ranked among Fortune's Best Workplaces, Ford provides stability in a dynamic industry. Be part of the team redefining mobility for generations.

Role FAQs

What is the work environment like?

Hybrid model with modern labs in Dearborn, collaborative teams, and access to cutting-edge prototyping equipment.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Yes, Ford offers relocation support for qualified candidates moving to the Dearborn area.

What tools does Ford use for hardware design?

Primarily Altium, Mentor Graphics, and Keysight for testing, aligned with automotive best practices.

How does Ford support innovation?

Through dedicated R&D budgets, patent incentives, and partnerships with universities and tech firms like Google and NVIDIA.

Ready to drive the future? Apply for the Sr Hardware Engineer role at Ford today and join a legacy of excellence.