Staff Software Engineer, Build

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 Staff Software Engineer, Build is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining build workflows, scripts, and automation tools to support efficient and reliable software integration across assigned platforms and programs. This role applies strong knowledge of build systems, embedded Linux and Android environments, CI/CD tooling, and automation frameworks to improve build efficiency, reliability, and observability within local, cloud, and CI/CD environments.

The Staff Software Engineer, Build collaborates closely with software development, integration, and release teams to implement build and release processes aligned with established workflows and standards.

Role Responsibilities:

Software Build Development

• Design and implement build workflows for assigned software platforms.
• Develop and maintain build scripts.
• Create solutions to improve build efficiency.
• Create build environment with different build toolchains.
• Define and create automation to build locally, in cloud.
• Partner with development teams to implement agreed-upon branching strategies.

Build System and Infrastructure Development

• Improve build system efficiency and reliability within defined CI/CD environments.
• Work with vendors, partners and other teams and adopt existing build system solutions.
• Implement verification pipelines aligned with existing CI/CD standards.
• Perform build failure analysis and resolve them.
• Develop scripts to help resolve code commit errors and merge conflicts.

Software Build Configuration Development

• Create Docker for different build environment.
• Define and develop automation for manifest generation.
• Define and create build configuration scripts for different hardware and brands.

Software Release Pipeline Development

• Support and implement efficient software release pipeline approaches aligned with established workflows.
• Collect, analyze, and publish build and release metrics to identify improvement opportunities.
• Work with vendors, partners and other teams.

Collaboration and Communication

• 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.
• Provide technical guidance through collaboration and code reviews. 

Documentation

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

​General Skills:

• Analytical and debugging skills.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to provide technical guidance within assigned projects through collaboration and code/test reviews
• Ability to facilitate technical discussions related to assigned systems
• Collaborate and work with multiple teams across geographies and time zones.

​Required Skills:

• Experience or deep understanding on how Linux software build works.
• Experience with Google Cloud or equivalent
• Experience with Jenkins, Google Cloud Deployment
• Manager or equivalent
• Experience with CI/CD tools such as GitLab, Gerrit, Gradle, OpenEmbedded, Buildroot, Artifactory
• Experience with different ARM compilers
• Experience creating pipeline for test automation in a Test-Driven Development (TDD) process
• Strong in scripting languages Python, shell, YAML, Groovy

Desired Skills:

• Experience applying data engineering and analytics techniques to improve build efficiency and observability
• Experience using Generative AI or Large Language Models (LLM) to improve software build efficiency and quality
• Experience in automated driving development

Work Flexibility:

• Calls, (virtual) meetings & workshops (overlapping with German/US business hours as needed) to align withleadership, 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:

• 8+ years combined experience in build/release engineering, software configuration management
• 8+ years’ experience with embedded Linux, Android
• 8+ years’ combined scripting language experience in Python, Shell, Groovy
• 8+ years’ experience with Git, Repo, make, Cmake, Bazel
• 5+ years’ experience with Docker Container, Jenkins

​Required Education:

• BS in Computer Science or Computer/Electrical Engineering

Desired Education:

• MS 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 $161,710 - $234,325. 

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 subject to export control and sanctions compliance. Some positions may involve access to technology and/or software source code subject to U.S. legal restrictions on release to certain foreign persons based on citizenship or permanent residence. To ensure compliance, applicants will be required to provide information for screening. Employment may be contingent on the outcome, including verification of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, or confirmation that a license, exemption, or exception applies. CARIAD retains the discretion to decline to obtain a required license in any case. By applying, you acknowledge and agree to participate in this process.