CARIAD, Inc. · 5 hours ago
Software Architect, Infotainment (W2 Contract)
United States
Contract
Remote
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$78/hr - $102/hr
10+ years expCARIAD, Inc. is an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group, focused on enhancing the automotive experience. The Sr. Staff Architect, IIX Systems will lead the architectural design and integration of infotainment solutions, ensuring they meet technical and regulatory standards across the Volkswagen Group brands.
AutomotiveInformation TechnologySoftware
Responsibilities
Translate the architectural vision and platform principles into system and software architecture design specifications and integration blueprints
Define and maintain system decomposition, component responsibilities, and inter-process communication interfaces
Drive the evaluation and adoption of technologies that support modularity, reusability, and scalability
Serve as the technical lead for complex design and integration challenges across software, hardware, and vehicle network layers
Review and validate design proposals from development teams for technical soundness and architectural alignment
Lead technical deep dives and design reviews across functional areas such as Applications, SW platform and Hardware
Ensure seamless interaction and data exchange between IIX subsystems and adjacent vehicle domains
Collaborate with Systems Engineering and Delivery Units to align architecture deliverables with project milestones
Support integration readiness by identifying dependencies, risks, and optimization opportunities early in the lifecycle
Provide hands-on guidance during system bring-up, debugging, and performance tuning phases
Partner with cross-functional teams including Brand Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Security to align technical decisions with product and compliance goals
Engage with Tier 1 suppliers and technology vendors to ensure interoperability and adherence to interface specifications
Contribute to cross-brand forums and architecture working groups to promote standardization and knowledge sharing
Serve as a mentor and technical resource for engineers and architects, fostering growth within the architecture team
Support the definition and enforcement of architecture review processes, design quality gates, and compliance checklists
Identify and mitigate technical risks related to performance, scalability, safety, and maintainability
Ensure solutions comply with relevant safety and regulatory standards (ISO 26262, UNECE R155/R156)
Contribute to maintaining architectural traceability from requirements to implementation and validation
Monitor emerging technologies in embedded systems, Android OS, and connected car ecosystems
Propose improvements to architecture methodologies, tools, and documentation standards
Contribute to capability-building efforts by developing reusable design assets and best practices
Foster a culture of technical excellence and innovation within the architecture and engineering community
Qualification
Required
Minimum 10 years of professional experience in software and system architecture design, ideally in infotainment, embedded systems, or consumer electronics domains
Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, or a related field
Proven experience architecting and delivering Android-based IVI or digital cockpit solutions in production vehicles
Strong technical expertise in Android Automotive, Linux, and/or QNX platforms, including OS internals, middleware layers, and system integration
Deep understanding of hypervisor technology, system decomposition, interface design, and inter-process communication (e.g., Binder, D-Bus)
Hands-on experience resolving cross-system performance, stability, and reliability challenges
Solid understanding of infotainment domains such as Application Frameworks, Connectivity, Audio/Video pipelines, Graphic, Carplay & Android Auto
Familiarity with safety, security, and diagnostics standards in automotive systems
Ability to influence technical decisions across diverse engineering and supplier teams
Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to drive initiatives and influence change across the organization
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization
Collaborate and work with multiple and cross functional teams (product teams, engineering systems and validation teams, hardware teams) across geographies and time zones
Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and mitigate complex architectural and system-level risks, including those related to security, safety, and performance
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment
Preferred
Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
Experience working with Volkswagen's E/E architecture (E3 1.1/1.2) or comparable OEM platform
Knowledge of vehicle communication protocols (Ethernet, CAN, LIN)
Exposure to OTA update mechanisms, diagnostics frameworks, and ISO 26262 safety design principles
Prior experience with cloud connectivity or mobile app integration within in-car experiences
Strong collaboration skills and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments across brands and suppliers
German language proficiency or experience working within German-based engineering organizations
Company
CARIAD, Inc.
For generations, Volkswagen AG has included a collection of legendary brands.
201-500 employees
H1B Sponsorship
CARIAD, Inc. has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (40)
2024 (12)
2023 (27)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Scott Runner
Chief Executive Officer
Julian Christopher Zeug
Director IT Security, Chief Information Security Officer
Recent News
2026-01-07
2026-01-05
2025-11-28
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