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Director, System Software

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 Director of the Linux 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 Linux system partition (based on Yocto Linux) 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
  • Hire, coach and lead the team
  • Lead the team to implement and deliver on time, high quality product
  • Communicate project status, technical challenges, and solutions in a clear and concise manner
  • Manage contractors and vendors, local and oversea 
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
  • Lead the team researching new technologies and methodologies to enhance Cariad Infotainment software.
  • Lead the team contributing to the continuous improvement of software development practices, leverage emerging

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
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including software, hardware, and quality assurance teams.
  • 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:
  • Strong hands-on experience in Yocto Linux, from kernel to application
  • Experience developing software product with RTOS.
  • Experience leading a team developing and releasing embedded software product for large volume market (consumer or automotive)
  • Experience developing software products using Agile process
  • Experience 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:
  • 15+ years of software engineering experience, including at least 7 years of focus on development in Linux and Embedded systems software development
  • 5+ 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 $238,960 - 311,060.

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 contingent upon the successful completion of this screening process. We emphasize the importance of compliance with export control and sanctions laws as a fundamental aspect of our operations. Our company is dedicated to adhering to these regulations to ensure the lawful and ethical conduct of our business activities. Employment with our company is contingent on either verifying U.S. citizenship or U.S. lawful permanent resident status or obtaining any necessary license or confirming the availability of an applicable exemption or license exception. You, the applicant, will be required to answer certain questions for export control purposes, and that information will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law. Cariad Inc. may choose not to apply for a license or use an applicable license exception (if available) for such individuals whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code may require authorization and may decline to proceed with an applicant on that basis alone.

 By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree to participate in the export control and sanctions compliance screening process. Your cooperation in this matter is essential to our shared success and the integrity of our operations. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to upholding these important standards.

 

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