Senior Test Engineer, Software– Quality Assurance

In this position...

The Senior Software Engineer – Quality Assurance is responsible for applying advanced quality methodologies and tools to proactively identify, analyze, and eliminate potential defects throughout the product lifecycle. This role champions a "shift-left" approach, embedding prevention strategies into every stage of software and product development.

You will translate quality principles and defect prevention vision into concrete action, acting as a trusted technical partner to cross-functional stakeholders and collaborating closely with engineering teams to embed robust, systemic defect prevention practices across our automotive platforms.

What You'll Do...

• Facilitate root cause analyses of identified issues in collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams. Use structured problem-solving methods, such as Eight Disciplines (8D), three-legged Five Whys, and Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA), to identify underlying causes rather than symptoms.
• Document findings, including contributing factors and systemic weaknesses.
• Define Prevent Recurrence Actions with relevant teams to address root causes. Establish and maintain a systematic tracking process, monitor actions through closure, and verify that implemented actions improve quality without introducing new issues.
• Document non-conformances and potential issues. Work with responsible teams to resolve non-conformances, track progress, and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Plan, schedule, and conduct quality audits across processes and products. Identify non-compliance, risks, and improvement opportunities; prepare audit reports, communicate findings to stakeholders, drive timely closure, and escalate open findings as needed.
• Establish and maintain data-collection processes for key quality measures. Apply statistical methods to monitor quality metrics and identify trends, then partner with cross-functional teams on targeted actions to bring processes and product quality back within control limits.
• Synthesize Software Quality Assurance (SWQA) data and activities into clear, actionable summaries.
• Develop and maintain dashboards, newsletters, executive summaries, and presentations that communicate SWQA status, key performance indicators, risks, and improvement initiatives to engineering teams and executive leadership.
• Collaborate with supplier quality management teams to ensure externally sourced components meet Ford electronic Statement of Work (eSoW) requirements and support defect prevention.
• Conduct software design reviews to ensure compliance with architectural and quality standards.
• Participate in engineering joint reviews to reinforce software development best practices.
• Coach and train engineering teams on software quality best practices, including Automotive Software
• Process Improvement and Capability Determination (Automotive SPICE) compliance.

You'll have...

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Software Engineering,

Experience

• 10+ years' software engineering experience in the automotive industry.
• 3+ years' experience in software quality and defect prevention for embedded software systems, including root cause analysis, corrective and preventive action management, and quality audits, with proven expertise in defect prevention methodologies.
• 3+ years' experience with structured problem-solving tools (8D, 5 Whys, Root Cause Analysis facilitation, PDCA)

Even better, you may have...

• Experience conducting software quality audits, managing non-conformances, and completing software process assessments. Automotive Software Process Improvement and Capability Determination (Automotive SPICE) assessor certification is an asset.
• Demonstrated expertise in Failure Mode Avoidance for software systems and embedded software development. Verification and validation experience is a plus.
• Experience applying statistical methods to monitor and improve quality metrics, and working within a software quality organization.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and training skills to drive cultural and technical improvements.
• Experience with automotive software engineering processes, Ford’s Global Product Development System, and work as a Ford Design and Release Engineer.
• Experience with Ford electronic Statement of Work requirements and supplier quality management.
• Experience with development and operations practices, continuous integration, and automated software testing.
• Knowledge of open-source software compliance and cybersecurity best practices.

This posting is for an existing vacancy within our team.

The expected annual salary range for this Ford of Canada position is $ 105,000.00 - $ 155,000.00 and individuals may be eligible to participate in our Annual Compensation bonus program.

We thank all candidates for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Successful candidates will be required to provide proof of degree completion for the highest level of education attained. If the degree was obtained from a school outside of Canada, an Education Credential Assessment report showing Canadian equivalency is also required.

Ford of Canada is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a culturally diverse workforce. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment processes, where needed, are available upon request. Please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require.

Candidates for this position must be legally entitled to work in Canada. Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, does not sponsor work permit applications.

This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week.