Principal Software Engineer, System Experience & Applications

Job Description

Job Description

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 Software Engineer, System Experience & Applications, is a key technical leader responsible for architecting the software stack of Volkswagen Group's Software-Defined Vehicle Platform.

This role includes leading the design and integration of Android OS, core services, System UI, and Android in-car and on-phone applications.

The Principal Software Engineer will oversee system architecture, define technical standards and best practices, and ensure high-performance, scalable, and safe software systems.

They will drive the technology strategy, ensuring data consistency and reliability, and lead the adoption of emerging technologies.

Additionally, the Principal Software Engineer will define engineering fundamentals, including coding guidelines and testing strategies, and conduct critical design reviews.

They will ensure system designs support future growth and incorporate best practices for system efficiency and robustness.

We are seeking high achievers who thrive on exploring uncharted territories, challenging the status quo, and championing new ideas.

As a member of CARIAD’s senior technical team, you will also interface with multiple stakeholders of VW Group’s technical team members.

Qualified candidates will be a Subject Matter Expert in one or more of the following domains :

• Android Android System UI
• Android Application development
• Embedded SW Infotainment
• Automotive Cloud SW Cloud-to-Vehicle

Role Responsibilities :

Lead and architect the software stack of the Volkswagen Group Software Defined Vehicle Platform of the future : including Android OS, core services, System UI and Android in-car and on-phone applications.

• Design and Architecture Create and oversee the system architecture and high-level design of software projects.
• Define technical standards, guidelines, and best practices for the platform’s software architecture.
• Collaborate with UX / UI designers to integrate automotive-specific design elements, such as touch controls, voice commands, and gesture-based interactions.
• Lead the design and development of the System UI, ensuring it provides an intuitive and responsive user experience for drivers and passengers.

Create high-performance, scalable, and safe software systems, leveraging your experience and knowledge of emerging technologies and best practices in developing cutting-edge systems.

• Ensure data consistency and reliability through guaranteed message deliver and implement access control mechanisms to secure message flows.
• Drive the technology strategy, including the adoption of emerging technologies (e.g., AI, blockchain, edge computing) that align with business objectives.
• Develop strategies for integrating Android OS with core vehicle services and user interfaces.

Define the engineering fundamentals which are used by the development teams, including branching concepts, coding guidelines, testing strategies, performance testing and continuous deployment (incl. infra decisions).

• Develop and maintain coding guidelines to ensure consistency, readability, and maintainability of code across the team.
• Confirm the fundamentals work together to create a well-defined software development process, leading to higher quality, more maintainable software, and faster delivery cycles.
• Conduct code reviews and enforce coding standards to maintain high-quality codebases.

Conduct system-critical design reviews with the teams, providing valuable insights and guidance.

• Lead the creation of scalable and high-performance software architectures, defining the technical vision and guiding principles.
• Ensure the system designs supports future growth and incorporates best practices for system efficiency and robustness.
• Present detailed aspects of the design, covering software architecture, major components, data flow, and control flow.
• Gather feedback on review process and identify areas of improvement.
• Incorporate lessons learned into future design reviews to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency.

General Skills :

• Provide strategic vision and technical leadership for system experience initiatives.
• Design and develop software solutions that prioritize user needs, deliver intuitive workflows, and promote efficient interaction.
• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance system usability, performance, and overall user satisfaction

Required Specialized Skills :

• Understanding of how to structure software into layers. Design and implement microservices of modular, scalable, and maintainable systems.
• Proficiency in Agile and DevOps methodologies to enhance collaboration, integration, and deployment processes.
• Expertise in integrating software with various automotive hardware components and communication protocols.
• Conducting code reviews to ensure high standards of code quality and best practices.
• Leading architecture and design reviews, ensuring alignment with business goals and technical strategy.
• Designing and integrating complex systems that involve multiple components and services.
• Collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams, including software engineers, hardware engineers, and product managers
• Adapting to chaining technologies, methodologies, and business requirements
• Approaching complex problems with a strategic and analytical mindset
• Deep expertise in customizing and extending Android Automotive OS for in-car applications

Desired Skills :

• Expertise in various programming languages and frameworks.
• Passion for creating user-centric software experiences.
• Extensive experience with system architecture and design patterns
• Deep understanding of distributed systems and microservices

Workplace Flexibility :

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 of experience in high-performance object-oriented software design and / or Android application development
• 5+ years of experience as a tech lead, significantly contributing to overarching system design and SW architecture matters.
• 8+ years of experience with different (embedded) operating systems : Android, Linux, etc.
• 8+ years of professional experience in delivering complex software products to the end customer.

Required Education :

BSc in computer science, robotics, physics, engineering, numerical modeling or a related subject with outstanding grades or equivalent work experience

Desired Education :

MSc or PhD and relevant publications and / or patents

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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