Sr. Staff Software Engineer - Mountain View - CARIAD Inc

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 Sr. Staff Software Engineer, BSW will design, develop, and deliver embedded software for high-performance computing platforms at CARIAD and the Volkswagen Group. This role focuses on building reliable base software, leading system bring-up, integrating core components, and solving complex hardware–software interaction issues. The engineer will also drive improvements in testing, diagnostics, and software quality, while collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners to ensure robust, secure, and production-ready solutions. As a senior member of the technical team, this position provides hands‑on expertise and mentorship to strengthen CARIAD's in‑house software development capabilities.

Role Responsibilities

Embedded Software Development

• Design and implement base software components including BSP, MCAL, bootloaders, and OS services
• Lead board bring‑up, hardware abstraction layer (HAL) integration, and low‑level driver development
• Support hardware teams with component selection, schematics review, and debugging
• Contribute to software diagnostics, test hooks, and fault injection mechanisms
• Interface with third‑party vendors for BSW stack integration and tuning
• Collaborate with internal teams on software requirements, especially in safety and security domains
• Develop and maintain continuous integration and automated testing environments
• Ensure quality through static/dynamic code analysis and validation tools
• Drive prototyping of novel BSW features, accelerating early‑stage platform evaluations
• Provide expert technical guidance to ensure efficient delivery of critical features to engineering teams, mentoring less experienced engineers, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement
• Lead discussions on technology stack selection, balancing scalability, performance, and maintainability
• Guide the creation of strategic launch and release plans with cross‑functional teams while maintaining best practices in coding, documentation, and code reviews

Operational Management

• Coordinate with manufacturing and validation teams for ECU bring‑up, flashing, and test software
• Proactively identify risks in software/hardware interaction and drive mitigations
• Ensure compliance with relevant automotive standards and development processes utilizing advanced design patterns for iterative and scalable development

General Skills

• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in all work
• Critical thinking skills
• Thoughtful problem solving
• Strong communication – verbal and written
• Time management

Required Specialized Skills

• Deep understanding of software platform development and corresponding software
• Knowledge of typical vehicle EE architectures and automotive development processes
• Knowledge of functional safety concept (ISO26262) and implementation of same in software
• Deep Knowledge of embedded system software architecture, real‑time operating systems, and web framework components and its interfaces
• Knowledge of connected HPC software components and its peripherals
• Knowledge of connected vehicle infotainment and communication software systems
• Experienced with introduction into mass production of the same
• Exhibit mastery of multiple programming languages and script languages C, C++, Java, HTML5
• Knowledgeable of best practices to align with the latest technology and software design principles, influencing architectural decisions through insights into trade‑offs

Desired Skills

• Rapid prototyping and validation
• Approaches for cloud oriented mobile internet applications
• Connected navigation and driver assistance system technologies

Workplace Flexibility

• Occasional travel may be required, less than 15%

Years of Relevant Experience

• 10+ years of software development experience with BSW

Required Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Desired Education

• Master's Degree in Computer Engineering, Software 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, nationalorigin, 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.