Volkswagen of America, Inc · 14 hours ago
Director, Digital Ecosystem Applications
Belmont, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$240K/yr - $285K/yr
10+ years expVolkswagen of America, Inc is a leading automobile manufacturer known for its innovation and development in the automotive sector. The role involves managing the Software Platforms group, focusing on Connected Mobility Products and AI-based applications, while overseeing R&D activities and leading engineering teams to enhance in-vehicle computing and digital ecosystem solutions.
AutomotiveCommercialManufacturing
No H1B
Responsibilities
Define the technical mission, architecture strategy, and long‑term platform vision for the In‑Vehicle Computing & Digital Ecosystem Applications team, spanning Android Automotive OS (AAOS), in‑vehicle compute platforms, Software‑Defined Vehicle (SDV) architecture, and AI‑driven cockpit intelligence
Provide technical leadership across the full software stack, including Android Framework, System Services, HAL layers, middleware, connectivity stacks, media/audio frameworks, HMI toolchains, and cloud‑connected AI runtimes within an SDV‑aligned architecture
Lead and mentor engineering teams in platform bring‑up, system integration, performance optimization, and development of AI‑agentic features, multimodal interaction models, and next‑generation speech technologies
Manage multi‑year budgets for platform development, AI integration, SDV‑aligned compute evolution, SoC evaluations, cloud services, and prototype programs
Deliver executive‑level technical reporting on architecture decisions, platform readiness, SDV integration milestones, AI progress, risks, and strategic recommendations
Drive strategic planning for ICC’s infotainment and cockpit portfolio, including AAOS evolution, hybrid cloud/edge AI pipelines, intelligent mobile agent technologies, and SDV‑centric software and compute roadmaps
Align technical roadmaps with global VW Group Innovation teams across infotainment, connectivity, AI/ML, vehicle architecture, cloud services, and SDV platform strategy, ensuring cross‑platform consistency and shared component reuse
Build strategic relationships with SoC vendors, Tier‑1 suppliers, cloud providers, and AI technology partners to influence cockpit compute and SDV platform evolution
Maintain partnerships with Silicon Valley companies specializing in AI runtimes, LLMs, speech, multimodal interaction, and automotive‑grade SDV‑compatible software frameworks
Collaborate with academic and research institutions on AI‑agentic systems, embedded ML, HMI, and in‑vehicle compute architectures aligned with SDV principles
Represent Volkswagen Group as a technical leader in the Silicon Valley ecosystem
Provide technical and organizational leadership for engineers, contractors, interns, and field service engineers across Android, embedded systems, AI/ML, cloud services, HMI, and SDV‑related software domains
Lead recruitment to build a high‑caliber engineering organization with expertise in Android internals, system architecture, AI frameworks, embedded compute, and SDV‑aligned automotive software
Foster continuous technical growth through mentorship, architecture reviews, and hands‑on engineering guidance
Secure internal funding for ICC initiatives aligned with VW Group Innovation’s global SDV strategy and long‑term cockpit architecture goals
Synchronize ICC technical topics with partner departments to ensure integration into global SDV‑based vehicle programs and shared software platforms
Evaluate emerging consumer electronics, AI frameworks (LLMs, multimodal models), Android advancements, and compute trends to guide SDV‑aligned cockpit architecture
Translate Silicon Valley research outputs—AI prototypes, AAOS enhancements, new interaction models—into production‑relevant SDV‑compatible technologies
Oversee IP creation in AI orchestration layers, multimodal agent systems, AAOS extensions, and SDV‑oriented in‑vehicle compute innovations
Lead R&D and release of North American accessories, ensuring technical integration with SDV‑based vehicle systems
Oversee software module development, integration, validation, and global releases for multiple VW Group brands, ensuring automotive‑grade quality, robustness, and long‑term maintainability within SDV architectures
Qualification
Required
10+ years with 2+ years in a technical leadership role
CS, EE, M.S. Engineering (or equivalent) REQUIRED
Technical Leadership & Software Expertise
Extensive leadership experience in research, pre‑development, and development of automotive electronics, with a strong focus on Android Automotive OS (AAOS), infotainment software, and in‑vehicle compute platforms
Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, mentor senior engineers, and drive technical excellence across complex software programs
Deep expertise in embedded software architecture, real‑time operating systems, middleware, HAL layers, system services, and large‑scale distributed compute systems
Demonstrated experience defining software and SDV architecture, system topologies, interfaces, and long‑term platform roadmaps
Strong background in evaluating compute architectures, AI frameworks, tools, and algorithms for integration into next‑generation cockpit systems
Hands‑on experience designing, developing, and integrating Android Automotive–based infotainment stacks, including framework customization, system services, media frameworks, connectivity, and HMI toolchains
Proven track record in scouting emerging technologies (AI, LLMs, multimodal interaction, advanced graphics, compute platforms) and converting them into functional prototypes and production‑ready concepts
Long‑term experience managing large, complex, multi‑party software programs with significant technical and organizational complexity
Strong financial and budget management skills for multi‑million‑dollar R&D portfolios
Ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with SoC vendors, Tier‑1 suppliers, cloud providers, and AI technology partners
Preferred
M.S. Engineering (or equivalent) or PhD
10+ years in automotive research, pre‑development, or development
Experience with VW Group infotainment programs or suppliers
Knowledge of competitor cockpit and infotainment architectures
Experience with virtualization, embedded Linux/Android development, advanced graphics pipelines, and modern toolchains
Familiarity with SDV development practices, cloud‑connected services, navigation, and driver‑assistance technologies
Understanding of UI/UX architectures for mobile and automotive systems
Multilingual communication (English, Spanish, German)
Experience designing next‑generation infotainment or cockpit platforms
Established partnerships with consumer electronics and Silicon Valley technology companies
Up to 20% travel - domestic and international
Benefits
Eligibility for annual performance bonus
Healthcare benefits
401(k), with company match
Defined contribution retirement program
Tuition reimbursement
Company lease car program
Paid time off
Company
Volkswagen of America, Inc
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Reston, Virginia.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Michael Khayan
Chief Of Staff to the CFO
Cameron Batten
Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer
Recent News
2026-01-19
Irish Examiner
2025-11-05
2025-10-14
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