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 Embedded Software Engineer, designs and delivers embedded base software for high-performance computing platforms at CARIAD and the Volkswagen Group, focusing on QNX and/or Android-based Automotive IVI and Connectivity ECUs. This role leads platform enablement, board bring-up, device driver development for multimedia and connectivity subsystems, and complex HW/SW debugging. The engineer ensures production readiness through DV and EOL phases, drives software quality improvements, and provides hands-on technical leadership and mentorship to strengthen in-house capabilities.

Role Responsibilities:

Platform Bring-Up & Device Driver Development

• Lead board bring-up activities on Qualcomm SoC-based IVI / connectivity platforms
• Develop and debug kernel/device drivers and BSP components (QNX or Android/Linux)
• Enable core subsystems (boot chain, clocks/resets, storage, power sequencing) needed for platform readiness
• Collaborate with HW teams on schematic/DT review and interface validation

Hardware–Software Integration & Debugging

• Debug complex HW/SW interaction issues across drivers, firmware, and peripherals
• Perform root-cause analysis using tracing/logging and lab instrumentation; drive issues to closure
• Partner with suppliers and cross-functional teams to resolve platform defects and unblock integration

Cross-ECU Coordination & Platform Services

• Support integration topics spanning IVI ECU and connectivity/MCU components (e.g., power and wake coordination)
• Define and document low-level interfaces, assumptions, and bring-up checklists to improve repeatability

Production Readiness & Validation Support

• Support DV/PV and manufacturing readiness (flashing, diagnostics hooks, stability fixes, performance tuning)
• Improve observability and robustness (error handling, watchdogs, recovery paths) for production deployments
• Provide on-site/remote support during critical integration builds and validation events as needed

Technical Leadership & Best Practices

• Mentor engineers and contribute to design/code reviews with an emphasis on quality and maintainability
• Drive best practices for driver architecture, testing strategies, and documentation
• Continuously improve bring-up workflows, tooling, and automation where applicable

General Skills:

• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills for complex embedded systems
• Clear written and verbal communication; able to align across hardware, software, and validation teams
• Collaborative mindset; effective in cross-functional and cross-company environments
• Ownership-driven execution with a high bar for code quality, documentation, and reviews
• Ability to mentor engineers and establish best practices for bring-up and debugging

Required Specialized Skills:

• Strong experience in QNX (7.1/8.0) or Android BSP / Linux kernel development
• Hands-on experience with Qualcomm automotive SoCs (e.g., SA8155P, SA8255P, or similar)
• Experience developing and debugging kernel drivers and/or HAL layers (C/C++)
• Board bring-up experience including bootloaders, device trees, and low-level initialization
• Deep understanding of interrupts, DMA, memory mapping, clocks/resets, and power management
• Strong hardware debug skills using logs, tracing, and lab tools (e.g., JTAG)

Desired Skills:

• Experience in automotive IVI / digital cockpit systems
• Experience with multimedia subsystems (audio, display, camera) and/or connectivity (USB, Ethernet, BT/Wi‑Fi)
• Experience supporting DV, PV, and EOL / manufacturing phases
• Familiarity with NXP S32K microcontrollers and cross-ECU power coordination
• Experience with FreeRTOS or microcontrollers
• Safety awareness: familiarity with ISO 26262 concepts

Workplace Flexibility:

• Hybrid work model; occasional domestic/international travel as needed, up to 15%. May require some off-hours support during board bring-up, integration builds, or critical validation events.

Years of Relevant Experience:

• 10+ years of embedded software development experience

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, California, 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 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.