Principal Infotainment Software Developer

We are CARIAD, an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We're looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we'll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it.

Role Summary:

The Principal Infotainment Software Developer will lead the functional group designing, implementing, testing and releasing all services being part of the Cariad automotive infotainment platform middleware. These services includes, but not limited to the in-vehicle infotainment services, diagnostics services, engineering services.

The Principal Infotainment Software Developer will own the software architecture across operating system (Linux and Android). As subject matter expert on infotainment vehicles services, this technical leader will work with assigned developers and other architects to champion new and innovative ideas, to design re-usable software modules and deliver high quality software.

Role Responsibilities:

• Technical Leadership, Collaboration and Communication
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
  • Coach, lead, mentor other team members working in the functional group.
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including software, hardware, and quality assurance teams.
  • Communicate project status, technical challenges, and solutions in a clear and concise manner.
• Innovation and Research
  • Researching new technologies and methodologies to enhance vehicle service software.
  • Prototyping and evaluating new software tools and features.
  • Contributing to the continuous improvement of software development practices.
• Embedded System Development
  • Architect, develop, test, release and maintain the stack including vehicle services
  • Identify bottlenecks and optimize system performance through tuning of priorities, code complexity reduction, and system-level optimizations.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of the software components.
• System Integration
  • Integrating in-vehicle infotainment services software with the Board-Support-Package, others in-vehicle services and backend systems.
  • Collaborating with function owners and other software architect and developers to ensure seamless integration between software and vehicle hardware components.
  • Conducting integration testing to ensure compatibility and performance.
• Compliance & Standards, Testing & Quality Assurance
  • Ensuring the software complies with automotive industry standards and regulations (e.g., ISO 26262).
  • Staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry trends.
  • Implementing best practices for software development and quality assurance.
  • Developing and executing test plans to ensure software quality and reliability.
  • Conducting unit testing, integration testing, and system testing.
  • Addressing bugs and performance issues identified during testing.

General Skills:

• Analytical and debugging skills.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in functional and technical leadership.
• Ability to lead technical meetings and provide feedback.
• Collaborate and work with multiple teams across geographies and time zones.
• Experience leading the development lifecycle of middleware projects from concept to deployment.

Required Specialized Skills:

• Proficiency in C/C++/Python programming languages
• Experience developing from scratch in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) services or middleware
• Experience with HMI (Human-Machine Interface) frameworks such as Qt or Android Automotive.
• Familiarity with over-the-air (OTA) update mechanisms and service-oriented architecture (SOA) in IVI.
• Knowledge of automotive Ethernet standards (e.g., AVB/TSN) and its application in IVI and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).
• Experience with CAN, LIN, Ethernet communication protocols
• Experience with UDS Diagnostic
• Proficient in using CANoe for simulation, testing, and analysis of networked systems.
• Experience with maintaining recipes, layers, and BSPs (Board Support Packages) in Yocto.
• Familiarity with Linux Yocto and Linux kernel configuration, device drivers, and system integration for automotive applications.

Desired Skills:

• Android AOSP

Workplace Flexibility:

• Calls, (virtual) meetings & workshops (overlapping with German/US business hours as needed) to align with leadership, development teams and partners.
• Occasional international and domestic travel to provide on-site support and planning/integration workshops with our internal and external stakeholders.

Years of Relevant Experience:

• 12+ years in software development
• 10+ years in embedded system software development

Required Education:

• BS in Computer/Electrical Engineering or Computer Science or equivalent

Desired Education:

• MS/PhD in Computer/Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Compensation

Salary range is dependent on factors such as geographical differentials, credentials or certifications, industry-based experience, qualification and training. In the city of Mountain View, California, the salary range for this position is $149,600 - 228,100.

CARIAD, Inc. provides performance based merits and annual bonus along with a competitive benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match and defined contribution plan, short and long term disability, basic life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment plans, maternity and non-primary caregiver leave, adoption assistance, employee referral program and vacation and paid holidays. We also offer a unique vehicle lease program that covers registration and insurance fees.

CARIAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.