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

About Ford

Ford Motor Company stands as a titan in the automotive industry, pioneering electric vehicles, autonomous driving technology, and sustainable mobility solutions. Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, with innovation hubs like the one in Palo Alto, California, Ford employs over 170,000 people worldwide. We're not just building cars; we're shaping the future of transportation. Our commitment to innovation has led to breakthroughs like the F-150 Lightning and Ford Pro commercial solutions. Joining Ford means contributing to a legacy of excellence while working on cutting-edge projects that impact millions.

Role Overview

As a Staff Developer, Productivity Engineer at Ford's Palo Alto location, you'll play a pivotal role in elevating our engineering teams' efficiency. This full-time position focuses on creating tools, automating processes, and leveraging data to supercharge productivity in our fast-paced automotive tech environment. Reporting to the Productivity Engineering lead, you'll work alongside elite developers, data scientists, and product managers to streamline workflows and drive measurable gains. Ideal for seasoned engineers passionate about DevOps, automation, and the automotive sector, this role offers the chance to influence Ford's software development lifecycle at scale.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day will involve hands-on development and strategic optimization:

• Architect and implement productivity tools using Python, Go, or similar languages to automate repetitive tasks.
• Conduct data-driven analyses of engineering pipelines, identifying bottlenecks and proposing scalable solutions.
• Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines, monitoring dashboards, and internal developer platforms.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate AI/ML for predictive productivity insights.
• Mentor junior developers on best practices in productivity engineering.
• Measure and report on key metrics like deployment frequency, lead time, and developer satisfaction.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this role, you'll need:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of professional experience in software development, with at least 3 years focused on productivity or DevOps engineering.
• Expertise in programming languages like Python, JavaScript, or Java, plus experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Strong knowledge of data tools (SQL, Tableau, or similar) and automation frameworks.
• Experience in agile environments and familiarity with automotive software challenges a plus.
• Excellent communication skills and a proactive mindset.

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

Benefits & Perks

Ford offers a premium compensation package designed for top talent:

• Estimated salary range of $150,000 - $220,000 USD annually, based on experience and market rates, with potential for bonuses up to 20%.
• Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, vision, and wellness programs.
• 401(k) with company match up to 6%, plus stock purchase plans.
• Hybrid work model with flexibility, 20+ days PTO, and parental leave.
• Access to Ford's Employee Pricing on vehicles and cutting-edge tech perks like EV charging stations.
• Learning opportunities via Ford University, certifications, and conference attendance.

Career Growth

At Ford, career progression is a reality. Staff Developers often advance to Principal Engineer or leadership roles in productivity or platform engineering. Our Palo Alto team, part of Ford's Silicon Valley hub, collaborates with partners like Google and Argo AI, providing exposure to groundbreaking projects. With structured mentorship, performance reviews, and internal mobility, you'll have clear paths to grow within Ford's global tech organization.

Why Join Us

Ford isn't just a job; it's a mission. In Palo Alto, you'll thrive in a collaborative, innovative culture amid California's tech ecosystem. Be part of the team revolutionizing mobility with software-defined vehicles and smart manufacturing. Our engineers enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, inclusive events, and the satisfaction of real-world impact. With Ford's stability and bold vision for EVs and autonomy, this is your opportunity to build the future.

Role FAQs

What is the work environment like?

Hybrid setup with 3 days in-office at our modern Palo Alto campus, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Yes, for qualified candidates, including housing support and visa sponsorship where applicable.

What tools does the team use?

Modern stack including Kubernetes, Jenkins, Datadog, and cloud-native services.

How does Ford support work-life balance?

Flexible hours, mental health resources, and generous leave policies prioritize your well-being.

Ready to accelerate your career? Apply now and join Ford's productivity revolution.