Software Engineer II 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 Software Engineer II, Embedded contributes to the development of embedded software supporting CARIAD’s next-generation automotive compute platforms within the Hardware Platform Development (HPD) team. This role supports board bring-up activities, low-level driver development, base software integration, and debugging and validation workflows required to transition new hardware into production-ready systems. The Software Engineer II collaborates cross-functionally with hardware, systems, validation, and external suppliers to deliver reliable, well-tested software components that meet performance, safety, and quality requirements.

Role Responsibilities:

Embedded Software Development & Integration

• Embedded Software Development & Integration
• Develop and maintain low-level embedded software components in C/C++ (drivers, services, utilities) under guidance from senior engineers.
• Contribute to BSP integration activities (boot chain, kernel configuration, device tree/board configuration as applicable).
• Work within established coding standards, participate in code reviews, and improve maintainability and performance.

Board Bring-up & HW/SW Debugging

• Support board and SoC bring-up activities including log capture, issue triage, and defect reproduction.
• Debug hardware–software interaction issues using systematic root-cause methods and lab tools (serial console, gdb, basic instrumentation).
• Collaborate with hardware engineering and vendors to validate fixes and document workarounds.

Testing, Quality Assurance, Compliance & Standards

• Write and maintain unit/integration tests or bring-up validation scripts as appropriate.
• Contribute to continuous integration and regression workflows (build, flash, smoke tests) in partnership with the team.
• Help improve diagnostics, logging, and observability to reduce time-to-debug and improve software quality.

Collaboration / Communication / Documentation

• Coordinate with systems and validation teams on requirements, acceptance criteria, and test readiness.
• Communicate status, risks, and technical findings clearly in tickets and design notes.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation for bring-up procedures, known issues, and configuration changes.

General Skills:

• Analytical debugging skills and a structured approach to problem solving.
• Clear written and verbal communication; able to summarize issues, root cause, and next steps.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (hardware, systems, validation, manufacturing) across time zones.
• Ability to work independently on scoped tasks while seeking timely feedback and reviews.
• Strong attention to detail, prioritization, and follow-through in a fast-paced development environment.

Required Specialized Skills:

• Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems development.
• Working knowledge of embedded Linux and/or RTOS fundamentals (processes/threads, memory, IPC).
• Basic experience with device drivers, BSP concepts, and hardware abstraction layers.
• Experience with source control (Git) and modern code review workflows.
• Hands-on debugging with tools such as gdb, logs/traces, and basic lab instrumentation.

Desired Skills: 

• Experience with Yocto-based Linux builds and cross-compilation toolchains.
• Exposure to secure boot, OTA update mechanisms, and software signing concepts.
• Familiarity with automotive networks and diagnostics (CAN/CAN FD, Automotive Ethernet, UDS).
• Awareness of functional safety and cybersecurity concepts (ISO 26262, ISO/SAE 21434).

Workplace Flexibility:

• Calls, (virtual) meetings & workshops (overlapping with German business hours as needed) to align with global stakeholders and development teams.
• Occasional domestic and international travel (less than 10%) for integration workshops or bring-up support, as needed.

Years of Relevant Experience:

• 2+ years of related experience in embedded software development.

Required Education:

•  Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Desired Education: 

•  Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, 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, CA, the salary range for this position is $110,210 - $159,650.

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.