Software Engineer, BSW (Contract)

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:

We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer (BSW) to support the Hardware Platform Development team at CARIAD. The Software Engineer will focus on delivering robust, scalable, and production-grade embedded base software components for vehicle control units. They will use their strong background in embedded systems, automotive software development, and system-level architecture to collaborate with cross-functional teams from VW Group and external partners to design, develop, and deliver production software. This includes contributing to proof-of-concept projects and supporting the integration of advanced embedded solutions in future vehicle platforms.

Role Responsibilities:

Embedded Software Development

• Design and implement base software components including BSP, MCAL, bootloaders, and OS services


• Lead board bring-up, hardware abstraction layer (HAL) integration, and low-level driver development


• Support hardware teams with component selection, schematics review, and debugging


• Contribute to software diagnostics, test hooks, and fault injection mechanisms


• Interface with third-party vendors for BSW stack integration and tuning


• Collaborate with internal teams on software requirements, especially in safety and security domains


• Develop and maintain continuous integration and automated testing environments


• Ensure quality through static/dynamic code analysis and validation tools


• Drive prototyping of novel BSW features, accelerating early-stage platform evaluations

Operational Management

• Coordinate with manufacturing and validation teams for ECU bring-up, flashing, and test software


• Proactively identify risks in software/hardware interaction and drive mitigations


• Ensure compliance with relevant automotive standards and development processes

​General Skills:

• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in all work


• Critical thinking skills


• Thoughtful problem solving


• Strong communication – verbal and written


• Time management

​Required Specialized Skills:

• Deep expertise in embedded base software development for automotive ECUs


• Strong experience with BSP, MCAL, low-level drivers, bootloaders, OS integration (RTOS, Linux), and diagnostics


• Experience in system-level debugging and hardware/software bring-up on custom boards


• Expertise in functional safety (ISO 26262) and its implementation in software


• Experience designing complex embedded systems, including defining system topologies and component interfaces


• In-depth understanding of vehicle EE architectures, embedded systems lifecycles, and production constraints


• Experience supporting software through the product lifecycle, including mass production


• Programming languages: C, C++, Java, HTML5, and scripting languages


• Familiarity with connected embedded software components and hardware peripherals

​Desired Skills:

• Knowledge of connected vehicle infotainment and communication software systems

​Workplace Flexibility:

• Occasional travel may be required, less than 15%

​Years of Relevant Experience:

• 10+ years of software development experience in HPC embedded environment

​Required Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

​Desired Education:

• Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Compensation

The hourly contract rate for this position in Mountain View, CA is $100.00 - $110.00/hour, depending on factors such as qualifications, certifications, relevant experience, and training.

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.