Principal Technical Specialist – Vehicle & Connected Cybersecurity Leadership

Job Description

Company: Ford Motor Company

Location: Annapolis, US

Join our innovative team as a Principal Technical Specialist in Vehicle and Connected Cybersecurity, reporting directly to the Senior Director. In this pivotal role, you’ll shape cybersecurity architecture, influence platform decisions, mentor skilled teams, and act as the representative for our organization with regulatory authorities and industry partners.
Key Responsibilities
• Serve as the foremost technical authority on vehicle, embedded, and connected cybersecurity by overseeing all vehicle programs and platforms.

• Develop and enhance cybersecurity architectures and technical standards spanning ECUs, in-vehicle networks, OTA updates, cloud systems, mobile applications, and V2X ecosystems.

• Offer expert insights on secure-by-design principles and address emerging threats within the automotive and connected systems landscape.

Collaboration with Product & Engineering
• Collaborate with vehicle, software, and systems engineering teams to incorporate cybersecurity requirements throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Lead or assist in conducting threat modeling, risk assessments, and security architecture reviews for vehicle platforms and connected services.

• Influence design choices to create a balance between security, safety, performance, cost, and user experience.

Governance, Risk & Compliance Oversight
• Aid in ensuring compliance with automotive cybersecurity standards and regulations, including ISO/SAE 21434, UNECE R155/R156, and NIST.

• Provide technical expertise for cybersecurity policies, processes, and readiness for audits.

• Advise leadership on the cybersecurity risk posture and strategies for mitigation of residual risks.

Incident Response & Vulnerability Management
• Act as a senior technical advisor during any cybersecurity incidents impacting vehicles or connected services.

• Guide the processes of root cause analysis, remediation plans, and sustainable corrective measures.

• Oversee vulnerability disclosures, penetration testing outcomes, and coordinated response initiatives.

Industry Relations & External Representation
• Represent the company in various industry working groups, standards organizations, and technical forums.

• Engage with suppliers and technology partners to evaluate cybersecurity capabilities and assess risks.

• Keep abreast of emerging threats, technological advancements, and regulatory developments that affect automotive cybersecurity.

Mentorship & Knowledge Development
• Provide mentorship to cybersecurity engineers and specialists across the organization.

• Enhance the overall cybersecurity maturity through knowledge sharing, best practices, and thorough technical reviews.

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related field (Master’s preferred) or equivalent experience.

• 10+ years of cybersecurity experience, focusing significantly on embedded, automotive, or IoT systems.

• In-depth technical know-how in embedded security, secure boot protocols, cryptography, PKI, in-vehicle networks (CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet), OTA updates, and cloud-connected systems.

• Strong familiarity with automotive cybersecurity standards and regulatory frameworks.

• A proven capacity to influence technical decisions across various teams without requiring direct authority.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience collaborating with an automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier.

• Knowledge of functional safety (ISO 26262) and its intersection with cybersecurity.

• Hands-on experience with threat modeling practices and security architecture design.

• Professional certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CSSLP, GIAC) are advantageous.

Key Competencies
• Strategic and systems-level thinking.

• Deep technical credibility and problem-solving capabilities.

• Strong communication proficiency for both technical and executive audiences.

• Adeptness at navigating complex, matrixed organizations.

• High integrity with a commitment to safety and maintaining customer trust.

If you believe you can contribute to our mission and bring value, we welcome your application!
We are proud to offer a range of benefits, including:
• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, and programs for new parents.
• Family building benefits including support for adoption, surrogacy, and fertility treatments.
• Employee vehicle discount programs and management leases.
• Tuition assistance for ongoing education.
• Active employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for community service and a generous holiday schedule.
• Options for additional vacation time purchases.
This position is leadership level 5 with a salary range of $141,700 – $268,300. Final salary will be determined based on your skills and experience.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodations for the application process are available for candidates with disabilities.
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Source: SaluteMyJob