Sr Staff 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 play a crucial role in delivering high-performance, reliable, and scalable software that forms the backbone of embedded system solutions. As a SoC and board device driver’s expert, you will design, implement, test, root cause issues and debug the BSP for Cariad infotainment platform.

The Sr Staff Software Engineer will help lead the design and development of BSP software, including bootloaders, device drivers, and low-level firmware, plus analyze system performance metrics and implement improvements to meet stringent real-time and embedded system requirements.

The Sr Staff Software Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware design engineers, systems engineers, and quality assurance teams, to ensure cohesive product development and to define system requirements to ensure software compatibility with new hardware designs.

Role Responsibilities:

Embedded System Development

• Architect, develop, test, release and maintain embedded device drivers for CARIAD automotive platforms
• Identify bottlenecks and optimize system performance through tuning priorities, code complexity reduction, and system-level optimizations

System Integration

• Integrating Board-Support-Package with the hardware (board and SoC) and the rest of infotainment software
• Collaborating with hardware engineers, vendors, partners, and other software teams to ensure seamless integration between software and hardware components
• Conducting integration testing to ensure compatibility and performance

Testing, Quality Assurance, Compliance & Standards

• 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
• 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

Collaboration / Communication / Documentation

• 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
• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation including design specifications, test reports, bug description, root cause and solution description, user guides, and release notes

General Skills:

• Analytical and debugging skills. 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to actively participate in technical meetings and provide feedback. 
• Collaborate and work with multiple teams across geographies and time zones.  
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.   
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.   
• Experience and ability to work in a very past pace environment. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

Required Specialized Skills:

• Experience developing from scratch device drivers for multimedia and complex SoC
• Experience developing from scratch device drivers for complex boards with audio, display, high speed interfaces, networking and wireless connectivity
• Experience with board bring-up
• Proficiency in C/C++/Python programming languages
• Experience with Real Time Operating system mechanism and kernels
• Strong knowledge in QNX
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex system-level issues.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git), build automation tools, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines
• Experience with Qualcomm SoC

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
• 7+ years in embedded Linux and QNX software and device drivers’ development

Required Education:

•   Bachelor’s degree in computer/electrical engineering, Computer Science, or related field. 

Desired Education: 

•  Master’s degree or 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, CA, the salary range for this position is 182,310 - 264,195.

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. 

Employment with Cariad Inc. is contingent upon the successful completion of this screening process. We emphasize the importance of compliance with export control and sanctions laws as a fundamental aspect of our operations. Our company is dedicated to adhering to these regulations to ensure the lawful and ethical conduct of our business activities. Employment with our company is contingent on either verifying U.S. citizenship or U.S. lawful permanent resident status or obtaining any necessary license or confirming the availability of an applicable exemption or license exception. You, the applicant, will be required to answer certain questions for export control purposes, and that information will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law. Cariad Inc. may choose not to apply for a license or use an applicable license exception (if available) for such individuals whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code may require authorization and may decline to proceed with an applicant on that basis alone.

 By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree to participate in the export control and sanctions compliance screening process. Your cooperation in this matter is essential to our shared success and the integrity of our operations. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to upholding these important standards.