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Sr Director, System Software - Android

Mountain View, CA
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 Director of the Android System Software development team will hire, organize and lead the global and cross-functional team responsible for software architecture, development, test and release for CARIAD automotive infotainment platform software. They will leverage his/her leadership acumen and technical proficiency to assemble high-caliber software engineering teams, fostering growth within CARIAD, Inc. The scope of responsibilities encompasses spearheading software development efforts, orchestrating financial planning, overseeing personnel management, and cultivating internal and external networks. 
 
Role Responsibilities:
Leadership and Management 
  • Develop and execute the strategic vision for the Android System partition (based on Android Automotive) in collaboration with VP of Platform Software, aligning it with the broader organizational strategy and long-term goals to scale it across all product ranges and generations.
  • Direct multiple software engineering teams, within CARIAD. Foster a high-performance culture across all teams by promoting collaboration, integrity, inclusion, transparency, accountability, and compassion. 
  • Oversee and align budgets and staffing demands across software development teams in coordination with CARIAD stakeholders 
  • Lead the development of talent pipelines and succession plans to ensure a robust and skilled workforce for the future 
  • Drive cross-functional collaboration and communication across multiple software engineering teams, ensuring that information and best practices are shared effectively 
  • Provide advice, guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback to software team members and senior managers 
  • Implement organizational practices for staffing, EEO, diversity, performance management, development, reward and recognition, and retention across different teams 
  • Oversee and manage contractors and vendors across local and international operations to ensure seamless collaboration and project success.
  • Lead the team in delivering high-quality products on time, leveraging strategic planning and continuous process improvement.
 
Budgeting, Finance and Administration
  • Collaborate with VP, Platform Development, other Directors and Managers and lead forecast budgetary requirements for annual planning rounds 
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive financial strategy for software development, aligning budgeting efforts with the long-term goals of the organization and the specific needs of software development teams 
  • Implement financial controls and reporting mechanisms to monitor expenditures, ensuring that budgets are adhered to across software development teams. 
  • Drive financial transparency and accountability within software development teams, ensuring that senior managers are informed and responsible for their budgets 
  • Define initial budgets and project definitions for strategic technology initiatives, prioritizing approved initiatives across various teams 
Innovation and Research
  • Spearhead research initiatives to explore and integrate new technologies and methodologies, driving innovation in Cariad Infotainment software
  • Guide the team in advancing software development practices by adopting emerging technologies and implementing industry-leading best practices for continuous improvement
Software Development
  • Develop and maintain a roadmap for software architecture and technology stack evolution, ensuring it aligns with the long-term business strategy 
  • Lead the development of software solutions, considering factors like cost-effectiveness, scalability, and compatibility with existing system 
  • Communicate project status, technical challenges, and solutions in a clear and concise manner.
  • Foster innovation within software development teams to explore emerging technologies and methodologies that can enhance product quality and efficiency 
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define software requirements, specifications, and performance metrics, ensuring alignment with overarching business goals 
General Skills:
  • Experience creating, growing and leading a team of embedded software developers to release large volume products.
  • Experience in functional and technical leadership.
  • Effective Communication skills - interpersonal, presentation and written
  • Collaborate and work with partners for software development and tests.
  • Collaborate and work with multiple and cross functional teams (product teams, system and validation teams, hardware teams)
  • Collaborate and work with multiple teams across geographies and time zones
Required Specialized Skills:
  • Significant hands-on experience with Android AOSP and AAOSP, from kernel to application.
  • Thorough understanding about Android virtualization (trout project, virtIO)
  • Vast experience or deep understanding of GAS and Google AOSP SDV
  • Extensive experience working with partners for software development and tests
  • Experience with xTS
  • Extensive experience leading a team developing and releasing embedded software product for large volume market (consumer or automotive)
  • Significant experience developing software product using Agile process
  • Demonstrated proficiency as software architect for complex embedded system
  • Experience developing from scratch embedded software with audio, video, HMI, networking, security, wireless connectivity and high-speed interfaces
Desired Skills:
  • Experience in the automotive industry
  • Experience in Consumer Product industry with very large volume
  • Experience with Android Simulator and/or Emulator development
  • Experience with ISO26262 or safety standards
  • Experience managing a team responsible for board bring-up and manufacturing test software
  • Experience using Generative AI or Large Language Models (LLM) to improve software development efficiency and quality
Workplace Flexibility:
  • Calls, (virtual) meetings & workshops (overlapping with German/US business hours as needed) to align with leadership and development teams. 
  • Occasional international and domestic travel to provide on-site support and planning/integration workshops with our internal and external stakeholders
Years of Relevant Experience:
  • 20+ years of software engineering experience, including at least 7 years of focus on development in Android and Embedded systems software development
  • 7+ years in software engineering management or leadership role
Required Education:
  • Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in Computer/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related technical field
Desired Education: 
  • Master’s Degree or PhD in Computer/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical 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 $273,000 -382,333.

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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