Senior Digital Key Engineer

Senior Digital Key Engineer

Location: Palo Alto, CA
Client: Ford
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled and analytical Digital Key Engineer to lead the implementation, validation, and debugging of next-generation vehicle access systems. The role will focus on secure interoperability between smartphones and vehicle architectures, with strong expertise in NFC, BLE, UWB, protocol analysis, timing analysis, and CCC Digital Key standards.

Key Responsibilities:
- Lead integration of CCC Digital Key specifications within vehicle architectures.
- Ensure compliance with security and privacy requirements.
- Perform defect triage, root-cause analysis, and issue tracking across hardware, embedded software, and mobile application layers.
- Analyze time-critical messaging from BLE discovery through UWB distance bounding.
- Use logic analyzers, protocol sniffers, and oscilloscope captures for debugging.
- Validate interoperability across iOS/Android devices, mobile hardware platforms, and environmental conditions.
- Optimize connectivity workflows for vehicle wake-up, welcome lighting, and passive entry.
- Collaborate with Tier-1 suppliers, software teams, cybersecurity teams, and engineering stakeholders.
- Troubleshoot RF communication timing, signal propagation, and cryptographic handshake latency issues.

Required Skills:
- Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Embedded Systems, or related field.
- Deep knowledge of Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) Digital Key architecture.
- Strong hands-on knowledge of NFC, BLE, and UWB.
- Experience with Vector CANoe/CANalyzer, Wireshark, BLE sniffers, and UWB/NFC protocol analyzers.
- Experience troubleshooting RF communication and timing constraints.
- Strong understanding of CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, and Automotive Ethernet.
- Knowledge of Secure Elements (SE), GlobalPlatform, PKI, and asymmetric cryptography.

Preferred Skills:
- Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet integration/testing.
- HIL testing and automation.
- Python and/or CAPL scripting.
- Experience with CCC plugfests, working groups, or compliance certification programs.
- Automotive embedded systems and vehicle connectivity experience.

To Apply: