INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Software & Embedded Engineering (Talent Pipeline) - Early Career Program, Advanced EV

CompanyFord Motor Company
LocationPalo Alto
Work ModeOn Site
PostedOctober 22, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
Design, develop, and debug production-quality software for electric vehicles while collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams. You will also perform system integration, develop automated tests, and analyze vehicle data to support the development of advanced mobility technologies.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
186145
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
We don't just make history -- we make the future. Ford put the world on wheels over a century ago, and our teams are re-inventing icons and creating groundbreaking connected and electric vehicles for the next century. We believe in serving our customers, our communities, and the world. If you do, too, come move the world and make the future with us. Ford is a global company with shared ideals and a deep sense of family. From our earliest days as a pioneer of modern transportation, we have sought to make the world a better place – one that benefits lives, communities and the planet. We are here to provide the means for every person to move and pursue their dreams, serving as a bridge between personal freedom and the future of mobility. In that pursuit, our 186,000 employees around the world help to set the pace of innovation every day. Privacy Policy: https://www.ford.com/help/privacy/
About the Role

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.


Product Creation and Industrialization (PC&I) brings together Ford’s vehicle, electric, digital and design teams with our global manufacturing system. Working as one end-to-end organization, we turn ideas into high-quality vehicles, software and experiences across gas, hybrid and electric, designed around what customers need.
Join our Advanced EV Development (ADVEV) team for a 6-month Early Career Program and help build the future of mobility! Immerse yourself in Ford's center of innovation and growth, working alongside top engineering, design, and software talent to create groundbreaking EVs and contribute to key technologies like batteries, charging, and recycling. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience and make a real impact on the automotive industry. 
This is a pipeline requisition.

Join our Advanced EV Development (ADVEV) team for a 6-month Early Career Program and help build the future of mobility! Immerse yourself in Ford's center of innovation and growth, working alongside top engineering, design, and software talent to create groundbreaking EVs and contribute to key technologies like batteries, charging, and recycling. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience and make a real impact on the automotive industry.  

Apply once and you'll be considered for multiple openings across our Software and Embedded Engineering teams in Advanced EV Development and our Electric Vehicle software organization. We'll match your skills and interests to the team and project that fit best.


Location: Palo Alto, CA, Long Beach, CA or Dearbon MI 
Duration:  6-months (can be less in some cases), start dates as early as March, 2027
Work arrangement: Candidates will be required to be onsite four or more days per week.
Stipend: $5,000 pre-tax commute/relocation stipend for eligible candidates living 50+ miles away. 


Specific team and project assignments are confirmed during the selection process.


What You'll Do


Depending on your team, you may:
* Design, develop, and debug production-quality software, such as embedded C, Rust or C++ services, and Python tools
* Translate system and software requirements into designs, code, and test cases
* Develop unit, integration, software-in-the-loop (SIL), and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests, including test automation and CI/CD tooling
* Integrate, bring up, and troubleshoot software and hardware on test benches and prototype vehicles
* Analyze test and vehicle data, and share findings and recommendations
* Collaborate with software, firmware, electrical, mechanical, controls, and systems engineers in an agile team
* Document your work and share results with the team


What You'll Have


* Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechanical or Automotive Engineering, or a related field
* Coursework, project, or internship experience in programming. Examples include C/C++, Rust, Python, Java, or MATLAB/Simulink.
* Strong fundamentals in software, embedded systems, or controls. Examples include data structures, algorithms, operating systems, and control systems.
* Strong problem-solving skills and eagerness to learn in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
* Ability to work in cross-functional teams and communicate technical ideas clearly
* Curiosity about automotive technology, embedded systems, and electric vehicles
* Availability for the full 6-month program
* Some roles may require travel to test locations, or a valid driver's license for vehicle testing. This will be confirmed during selection.


Even Better, You May Have
* Experience with embedded Linux, middleware, Rust, or real-time embedded C 
* Experience with automotive communication protocols and diagnostics (CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, UDS) 
* Experience with device drivers (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth), microcontroller peripherals (ADC, GPIO, PWM, SPI), or sensors and signal processing 
* Experience with Human-Machine Interface (HMI) development or Software (SW) System Integration 
* Experience with cloud software, Git, Linux, CI/CD, containers, or automated testing 
* Familiarity with HIL or simulation tools (dSPACE, NI, Vector CANoe/CANalyzer/CANape, ecu.test) 
* Knowledge of control theory or vehicle dynamics, or experience with thermal systems 
* Experience using data or fleet data to drive engineering decisions 
* Student-team or project experience, such as Formula SAE, robotics, IoT, or personal projects 
* Comfort using AI-assisted coding tools responsibly in a learning-focused workflow 
 
If you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!


What You'll Receive in Return  As part of this exciting program, you'll enjoy a high level of involvement with an exceptional team of industry innovators and visionaries. You'll contribute in a meaningful way to our important, breakthrough work. And you'll develop the skills that will give you a significant edge in your future career pursuits. If you have what it takes to help us redefine the future of mobility, we'd love to have you join us.
Relocation & Commuter Stipend: If you live more than 50 miles from a local office, and are assigned to an eligible team, Ford will extend a $5,000 pre-tax stipend to help support your commute costs, which costs you agree otherwise would be borne by you personally. If you are eligible for a stipend, you may spend the stipend at your own discretion.
This position is a salary grade 4. For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/supplemental
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid  #UEV 

Responsibilities

What You'll Do

Depending on your team, you may:

  • Design, develop, and debug production-quality software, such as embedded C, Rust or C++ services, and Python tools
  • Translate system and software requirements into designs, code, and test cases
  • Develop unit, integration, software-in-the-loop (SIL), and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests, including test automation and CI/CD tooling
  • Integrate, bring up, and troubleshoot software and hardware on test benches and prototype vehicles
  • Analyze test and vehicle data, and share findings and recommendations
  • Collaborate with software, firmware, electrical, mechanical, controls, and systems engineers in an agile team
  • Document your work and share results with the team
     

Qualifications

What You'll Have

  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechanical or Automotive Engineering, or a related field
    Coursework, project, or internship experience in programming. Examples include C/C++, Rust, Python, Java, or MATLAB/Simulink
  • Strong fundamentals in software, embedded systems, or controls. Examples include data structures, algorithms, operating systems, and control systems
  • Strong problem-solving skills and eagerness to learn in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
  • Ability to work in cross-functional teams and communicate technical ideas clearly
  • Curiosity about automotive technology, embedded systems, and electric vehicles
  • Availability for the full 6-month program
  • Some roles may require travel to test locations, or a valid driver's license for vehicle testing. This will be confirmed during selection.

 

Even Better, You May Have

  • Experience with embedded Linux, Rust, or real-time embedded C
  • Experience with automotive communication protocols and diagnostics (CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, UDS)
  • Familiarity with HIL or simulation tools (dSPACE, NI, Vector CANoe/CANalyzer/CANape, ecu.test)
  • Experience with Git, Linux, CI/CD, containers, or automated testing
  • Knowledge of microcontroller peripherals (ADC, GPIO, PWM, SPI) or sensors and signal processing
  • Knowledge of control theory or vehicle dynamics, or experience with thermal systems
  • Experience using data or fleet data to drive engineering decisions Student-team or project experience, such as Formula SAE, robotics, IoT, or personal projects
  • Comfort using AI-assisted coding tools responsibly in a learning-focused workflow

    If you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

What You'll Receive in Return
As part of this exciting program, you'll enjoy a high level of involvement with an exceptional team of industry innovators and visionaries. You'll contribute in a meaningful way to our important, breakthrough work. And you'll develop the skills that will give you a significant edge in your future career pursuits. If you have what it takes to help us redefine the future of mobility, we'd love to have you join us.

Relocation & Commuter Stipend: If you live more than 50 miles from a local office, and are assigned to an eligible team, Ford will extend a $5,000 pre-tax stipend to help support your commute costs, which costs you agree otherwise would be borne by you personally. If you are eligible for a stipend, you may spend the stipend at your own discretion.

This position is a salary grade 4. For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/supplemental

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid  #UEV 

#LI-Hybrid #UEV


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Key Skills
Embedded CRustC++PythonSoftware testingEmbedded systemsControl systemsAutomotive communication protocolsCANLinuxCI/CDHardware-in-the-loopData analysisAgile methodologyDebuggingVehicle dynamics
Categories
SoftwareEngineeringTechnologyManufacturingTransportation
Benefits
Commute/relocation stipend