Principal Software Engineer, System Experience & Applications

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, System Experience & Applications, is a key technical leader responsible for architecting the software stack of Volkswagen Group's Software-Defined Vehicle Platform. This role includes leading the design and integration of Android OS, core services, System UI, and Android in-car and on-phone applications. The Principal Software Engineer will oversee system architecture, define technical standards and best practices, and ensure high-performance, scalable, and safe software systems. They will drive the technology strategy, ensuring data consistency and reliability, and lead the adoption of emerging technologies. Additionally, the Principal Software Engineer will define engineering fundamentals, including coding guidelines and testing strategies, and conduct critical design reviews. They will ensure system designs support future growth and incorporate best practices for system efficiency and robustness.

We are seeking high achievers who thrive on exploring uncharted territories, challenging the status quo, and championing new ideas. As a member of CARIAD’s senior technical team, you will also interface with multiple stakeholders of VW Group’s technical team members.  

Qualified candidates will be a Subject Matter Expert in one or more of the following domains:   

• Android – Android System UI  
• Android – Application development  
• Embedded SW – Infotainment   
• Automotive Cloud SW – Cloud-to-Vehicle 

Role Responsibilities:

Lead and architect the software stack of the Volkswagen Group Software Defined Vehicle Platform of the future: including Android OS, core services, System UI and Android in-car and on-phone applications. 

• Design and Architecture – Create and oversee the system architecture and high-level design of software projects. 
• Define technical standards, guidelines, and best practices for the platform’s software architecture.
• Collaborate with UX/UI designers to integrate automotive-specific design elements, such as touch controls, voice commands, and gesture-based interactions.
• Lead the design and development of the System UI, ensuring it provides an intuitive and responsive user experience for drivers and passengers. 

Create high-performance, scalable, and safe software systems, leveraging your experience and knowledge of emerging technologies and best practices in developing cutting-edge systems.

• Ensure data consistency and reliability through guaranteed message deliver and implement access control mechanisms to secure message flows.
• Drive the technology strategy, including the adoption of emerging technologies (e.g., AI, blockchain, edge computing) that align with business objectives.
• Develop strategies for integrating Android OS with core vehicle services and user interfaces.

Define the engineering fundamentals which are used by the development teams, including branching concepts, coding guidelines, testing strategies, performance testing and continuous deployment (incl. infra decisions). 

• Develop and maintain coding guidelines to ensure consistency, readability, and maintainability of code across the team.
• Confirm the fundamentals work together to create a well-defined software development process, leading to higher quality, more maintainable software, and faster delivery cycles.
• Conduct code reviews and enforce coding standards to maintain high-quality codebases.

Conduct system-critical design reviews with the teams, providing valuable insights and guidance. 

• Lead the creation of scalable and high-performance software architectures, defining the technical vision and guiding principles.
• Ensure the system designs supports future growth and incorporates best practices for system efficiency and robustness. 
• Present detailed aspects