Principal Software Engineer, Instrument Cluster Middleware/ HMI

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:

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer, Instrument Cluster Middleware and HMI, to lead the functional group designing, implementing, testing and releasing the complete software stack for Instrument Cluster UI, HMI applications, and framework for Cariad's automotive infotainment platform software. The stack includes, but is not limited to the UI engine, the UI applications, the HMI framework and the business logic services.

The Principal Software Engineer, Instrument Cluster Middleware and HMI will own the software architecture across operating systems. As a subject matter expert on instrument cluster UI application and framework, the 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. The role is part of CARIAD's senior technical team and involves interfacing with multiple stakeholders of VW Group's technical teams.

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.
  • Develop a set of processes and methodologies to ensure that the Instrument Cluster UI applications and framework development scales across several brands and models.
  • Collaborate with other technical leads and stakeholders to define system-level requirements and interfaces.
  • Work closely with UX and UI brand developers to establish common best practices.
  • 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.
• Embedded System Development
  • Architect, develop, test, release and maintain the Instrument Cluster UI, HMI applications and framework.
  • 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.
  • Create high-performance, scalable, and safe software systems, leveraging your extensive experience and knowledge of emerging technologies and best practices in developing cutting-edge embedded systems.
  • Guide the teams in designing system-relevant software concepts, efficient data structures to support modern multi-core hardware, design patterns, and more.
  • Proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with product development and delivery.
• System Integration
  • Integrating in-vehicle Instrument Cluster HMI applications and framework software with the Board-Support-Package, others in-vehicle services and backend systems.
  • Collaborating with function owners and other software architects and developers to ensure seamless integration between software and vehicle hardware components.
  • Conducting integration testing to ensure compatibility and performance.
• Compliance and Standards
  • Ensuring the software complies with automotive industry standards and regulations (e.g., ISO 26262, Homologation).
  • Staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry trends.
  • Implementing best practices for software development and quality assurance.
• Testing 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.
• 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.

General Skills:

• Analytical and debugging skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in functional and technical leadership.
• Ability to lead technical meetings and provide feedback.
• Ability to approach problems from a platform/framework mindset and design for scaling software across multiple brands and vehicle programs.
• Collaborate and work with multiple teams across geographies and time zones.

Required Specialized Skills:

• Proficiency in C/C++, Java programming languages.
• Knowledge in C#, Kotlin, Rust programming language.
• Knowledge of scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or Perl.
• Experience with 3D gaming UI Engine (Unreal engine, Unity3D, Kanzi, Qt, others)
• Strong experience with OpenGL, Vulkan
• Experience developing from scratch embedded HMI stack
• Experience in automotive HMI development
• Experience developing and releasing embedded HMI for large volume product (consumer or automotive)
• Ability to approach problems from a platform/framework mindset and design for scaling software across multiple brands and vehicle programs
• Experience with Linux Yocto, Android AOSP
• Experience with CAN, Ethernet communication protocols

Desired Skills:

• Experience with Android Automotive AAOSP
• Knowledge of Android UI Framework
• Expertise with customizable system
• Experience with virtual ECU or digital twins
• Experience with virtual ECU or digital twins
• Experience using Generative AI or Large Language Models (LLM) to improve software development efficiency and quality

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 embedded system software development
• 10+ years in HMI or vehicle services development

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Desired Education:

• Master's degree/PhD in Computer/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

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.

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