Software Developer (Model E) - Neurodiversity Hiring Initiative

Specialisterne is Recruiting!

Specialisterne connects qualified neurodivergent candidates to employment opportunities in numerous industries and sectors in Canada and the US.

To be eligible to apply, you must have experienced barriers getting and/ or maintaining meaningful employment and you identify with one of the following: 

• Autism (including Asperger’s and PDD-NOS)
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
• Learning Disability (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia)
• Intellectual Disability
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Tourette Syndrome 

Employees hired through Specialisterne will be supported by a Specialisterne Workplace Support Specialist for their first twelve weeks on the job.

Specialisterne is proud to partner with Ford on a Neurodiversity Hiring Initiative. 

Ford was built on the belief that freedom of movement drives human progress. As we look to the future and the changing needs of society, we are committed to becoming the world’s most trusted mobility company – delivering smart vehicles for a smart world. Join our team as we create tomorrow!  We believe in putting people first, working together, and facing challenges head-on. 

Applications must be submitted in full no later than July 23, 2025

Summary:

Title: Software Developer

Employment Type: Full-Time

Hours: 40 hours per week

Location: Waterloo, Oakville, or Ottawa, ON (Hybrid, 3 days per week in-person)

Target Start Date: April 2025

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

Essential Tasks - In this job, you will: 

• Create and maintain a software development environment including a network of embedded devices.
• Read, learn, review, and critique code written by others.
• Write code to create new features, extend existing functionality, and fix defects.
• Troubleshoot and debug software faults found in consumer vehicles.
• Summarize technical issues for non-technical audiences.

General Skills and Abilities - You are:

• [Example: Able to demonstrate a strong attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of client and company information]
• Able to work in a team environment
• Able to receive and apply feedback to code in a timely manner
• Able to troubleshoot highly technical problems and know when to escalate

Digital/Technical Skills & Tools - You are:

• Basic skill level with Linux
• Intermediate skill level with C++
• Nice to have (but not required):
  • Embedded, automotive, or android development experience

Education/Knowledge - You:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a similar field
• Working knowledge of or experience in software development

*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.

Experience (Professional, Academic, Personal) - You:

• Have demonstrable projects writing code 
• Completed 2 terms (8 months) co-op experience in a similar field

Additional Information:

Here’s how frequently the following types of communication and interaction are required to perform the job: 

• Oral communication: Daily
• Email communication: Daily
• Instant messaging: Constantly
• Telephone Communication: Weekly
• Video communication: Daily
• Interacting with supervisors: Weekly 
• Interacting with peers: Daily
• Interacting with customers: N/A
• Influencing others: Weekly
• Training or teaching others: N/A

Here’s what can employees find stressful about this job:

• Working on code that will be used in over 10 million vehicles nationwide
• Presenting and defending your work in weekly standup meetings
• Working with and troubleshooting highly complex software

Here’s what employees tend to find motivating/rewarding about this job:

• Project outcomes have a tangible impact on customers and the vehicles they drive
• Flexibility to work on a variety of different projects within the team
• Working in a team of incredibly talented developers
• Opportunities for internal growth with in Ford

Workplace Support:

• Specialisterne and our employer partners are committed to providing inclusive onboarding experiences and supporting new employees as they learn on the job 
• All new hires continue to liaise with a Specialisterne Workplace Support Specialist for their first twelve weeks on the job

The Recruitment Process

To be considered for this position, you will:

• Complete a job application
• Join our talent pool (if you haven’t already) by completing an additional questionnaire and a pre-employment assessment 

Next Steps 

• Successful applicants will create a job-specific Candidate Profile to answer job specific questions and/or complete a work sample exercise to showcase your skills for this role. 
• Employers use Candidate Profiles to anonymously* shortlist candidates  
• Candidates and employers will meet to discuss the role in more detail    

*whenever possible