Sr. Staff Software Engineer, Embedded

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 Sr. Staff Software Engineer will lead key areas of the software design efforts for the future of CARIAD's Infotainment software stack on the Android platform.

Role Responsibilities:

• Embedded System Development
  • Lead architect, develop, test, release and maintain embedded device drivers for Cariad automotive platform.
  • Own multiple software features end-to-end and deliver high quality, testable, and peer reviewed software components.
  • Identify bottlenecks and optimize system performance through tuning of priorities, code complexity reduction, and system-level optimizations.[CH1] [ND2]
  • Provide technical leadership during system-critical design reviews, offering guidance and deep technical insights to drive sound decision-making.
• System Integration
  • Lead integration testing, managing large test environments, and ensuring system reliability at scale.
  • Drive the integration of advanced software components into the overall infotainment system, ensuring compatibility with cross-functional and third-party systems.
  • Collaborate with hardware engineers, vendors, partners and other software teams to ensure seamless integration between software and hardware components.
• Compliance and Standards
  • 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.
  • Champion the implementation of advanced best practices for software development, quality assurance, and performance optimization.
• Testing and Quality Assurance
  • Design and execute comprehensive test planning to ensure software quality and reliability
  • Conducting unit testing, integration testing and system testing.
  • Lead cross-functional teams to resolve complex bugs and performance bottlenecks, driving continuous improvements.
• Collaboration and Communication
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including software, hardware, and quality assurance teams.
  • Act as a key liaison, communicating project status updates, technical challenges, and solutions to senior leadership.
• Documentation
  • Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation including design specification, test reports, bug description, root cause and solution description, user guides, and release notes.
  • Drive the creation of comprehensive user guides, release notes, and design documentation for large-scale projects.

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.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Required Specialized Skills:

• Proficiency in C/C++ programming languages.
• Deep knowledge of how Android AOSP, AAOSP and Linux display and graphic pipeline works including each of its components.
• Knowledge of Rust programming language.
• Knowledge of scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or Perl.
• Experience implementing and improving performances GPU and DPU drivers
• Experience or deep understanding how Yocto Linux software build works.
• Experience using test automation in a Test-Driven Development (TDD) process is a plus
• Experience working with cross functional teams (product teams, system and validation teams, hardware teams).
• Experience developing software products using Agile process.

Desired Skills:

• Knowledge and experience implementing video codec.
• Strong knowledge in image processing.
• Experience improving picture quality for embedded devices.
• Experience using Generative AI or Large Language Models (LLM) to improve software development efficiency and quality.
• Experience with graphic pipeline with hypervisor and embedded Linux.
• Experience implementing device drivers for display interfaces (HDMI, DP, DSI) and SER/DES.
• Experience in one or more of the following domains: graphic pipeline and GPU, audio pipeline, video pipeline and codecs, displays pipeline and interface, networking stack, SOA, system performance, power management optimization, or OTA.

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:

• 10+ years in embedded software development
• 5+ years in Android Framework and Kernel development
• 5+ years of experience as a tech lead, significantly contributing in overarching system design and software architecture matters

Required Education:

• BS in Computer/Electrical Engineering or Computer Science.

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 $177,000 - 247,667.

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.