Principal SW Engineer, BSW

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 Principal Software Engineer, BSW designs, develops, and delivers advanced embedded software for high-performance computing platforms across CARIAD and the Volkswagen Group. This role emphasizes architectural ownership, cross-functional collaboration, and innovation leadership, ensuring technical excellence from concept to production.

The Principal Software Engineer, BSW is responsible for designing reliable base software, driving system bring-up, and integrating core components for large-scale automotive platforms. The role extends beyond implementation to influence system-level architecture decisions, mentor teams across domains, and shape CARIAD’s broader software ecosystem.

As a senior technical expert, this position sets technical direction, drives platform scalability and reusability, and enhances innovation through hands-on engineering, prototyping, and collaboration with global partners.

Role Responsibilities:

Embedded Software Development –

• Architect, design, and implement base software components including BSP, MCAL, bootloaders, and OS services.


• Lead board bring-up, HAL integration, and low-level driver development for complex ECUs.


• Partner with hardware and platform teams for component selection, schematic reviews, and root-cause debugging.


• Drive improvements in diagnostics, test hooks, fault injection mechanisms, and automated validation frameworks to deliver robust, production-ready systems.


• Interface with third-party vendors for BSW stack integration, optimization, and advanced feature enablement.


• Collaborate cross-functionally across software, hardware, and system integration teams to refine software requirements with emphasis on safety, security, and compliance.


• Develop and maintain CI/CD pipelines, static/dynamic code analysis workflows, and automated validation tools.


• Architectural Ownership: Expand from component-level design to system-level architectural definition, shaping platform direction and reusable design patterns.


• Cross-Functional Reach: Partner with product, systems, and validation teams across multiple programs to align roadmaps, share learnings, and influence design outcomes.


• Innovation Leadership: Lead prototyping of novel BSW features and new software paradigms, accelerating early-stage evaluation and innovation pipelines.


• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship, promoting continuous improvement and best engineering practices.


• Drive discussions on technology stack selection, balancing scalability, performance, and maintainability.


• Support long-term platform strategy, contributing to architectural roadmaps and platform evolution initiatives.

Operational Management –

• Coordinate with manufacturing, validation, and operations teams for ECU bring-up, flashing, and production test workflows.


• Identify and mitigate software–hardware interaction risks, driving cross-functional resolution and design improvement.


• Ensure compliance with automotive standards and safety frameworks through advanced design practices.


• Act as a technical authority within CARIAD, influencing cross-functional programs, shaping engineering culture, and mentoring peers.


• Represent CARIAD in technical working groups and industry forums, promoting innovation and technical excellence.

​General Skills:

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


• Critical thinking and thoughtful problem solving


• Strong verbal and written communication skills


• Excellent time management and prioritization in complex project environments


• Deep experience in developing strategies for R&D and technology enablement


• Strong integration skills — joining people, processes, or systems across domains


• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities effectively


• Strong problem-solving skills and motivation to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment


• Ability to collaborate across software, hardware, and system engineering teams, fostering end-to-end alignment

​Required Specialized Skills:

• ​Deep expertise in embedded software platform development and integration for high-performance automotive systems


• Strong knowledge of vehicle EE architectures and automotive development processes


• In-depth understanding of functional safety (ISO 26262) and proven experience implementing them in software


• Mastery of embedded system software architecture, real-time operating systems, and web framework components and their interfaces


• Strong knowledge of connected HPC software components, peripherals, and infotainment systems


• Hands-on experience in the design, validation, and introduction of software into mass production


• Expertise in multiple programming and scripting languages, including C, C++, Java, Python, and HTML5, with a strong focus on performance, maintainability, and scalability


• Demonstrated ability to apply best practices, align with emerging technology trends, and influence architectural and design decisions through trade-off analysis


• Proven track record of mentoring and providing technical leadership to engineering teams, shaping software practices and driving adoption of modern development principles

​Desired Skills:

• ​Experience with software design and architecture for consumer electronics, bridging automotive and broader embedded system domains


• Proven ability to lead rapid prototyping, validation, and proof-of-concept development for new software features or platforms


• Familiarity with cloud-oriented and mobile internet application architectures, including integration with vehicle systems


• Knowledge of connected navigation, ADAS, and infotainment technologies, with practical experience in system-level integration

​Workplace Flexibility:

• ​Travel to worldwide locations required, up to 15%

​Years of Relevant Experience:

• ​12+ Years of software development experience with BSW

​Required Education:

• ​Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent

​Desired Education:

• ​Master’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent

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 $194,670 - $282,735.

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.