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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Sr Staff Software Engineer, Embedded - **Company:** Cariad, Inc. - **Location:** Mountain View, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $182,310.0 - $264,195.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Board Bringup, C++ (Programming Language), Software Quality, Code Review, Software Debugging, Linux, Device Drivers, Embedded Software, Ethernet, Firmware, FreeRTOS, Joint Test Action (IEEE Standards), Linux Kernel, Performance Tuning, Software Deployment, Subsystems, Systems Integration, Strategies of Testing, Wi-Fi Technology, Data Logging, High Performance Computing, PIC Microcontroller, Information Technology - **Published:** May 19, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=3add5c92980f1bcb ## About the Role * Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills for complex embedded systems * Clear written and verbal communication; able to align across hardware, software, and validation teams * Collaborative mindset; effective in cross-functional and cross-company environments * Ownership-driven execution with a high bar for code quality, documentation, and reviews * Ability to mentor engineers and establish best practices for bring-up and debugging Required Specialized Skills: * Strong experience in QNX (7.1/8.0) or Android BSP / Linux kernel development * Hands-on experience with Qualcomm automotive SoCs (e.g., SA8155P, SA8255P, or similar) * Experience developing and debugging kernel drivers and/or HAL layers (C/C++) * Board bring-up experience including bootloaders, device trees, and low-level initialization * Deep understanding of interrupts, DMA, memory mapping, clocks/resets, and power management * Strong hardware debug skills using logs, tracing, and lab tools (e.g., JTAG) Desired Skills: * Experience in automotive IVI / digital cockpit systems * Experience with multimedia subsystems (audio, display, camera) and/or connectivity (USB, Ethernet, BT/Wi-Fi) * Experience supporting DV, PV, and EOL / manufacturing phases * Familiarity with NXP S32K microcontrollers and cross-ECU power coordination * Experience with FreeRTOS or microcontrollers * Safety awareness: familiarity with ISO 26262 concepts Workplace Flexibility: * Hybrid work model; occasional domestic/international travel as needed, up to 15%. May require some off-hours support during board bring-up, integration builds, or critical validation events. Years of Relevant Experience: * 10+ years of embedded software development experience Required Education: * Bachelor's degree in computer/electrical engineering, Computer Science, or related field. Desired Education: * Master's degree or PhD in Computer/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. ## Description The Sr. Staff Embedded Software Engineer, designs and delivers embedded base software for high-performance computing platforms at CARIAD and the Volkswagen Group, focusing on QNX and/or Android-based Automotive IVI and Connectivity ECUs. This role leads platform enablement, board bring-up, device driver development for multimedia and connectivity subsystems, and complex HW/SW debugging. The engineer ensures production readiness through DV and EOL phases, drives software quality improvements, and provides hands-on technical leadership and mentorship to strengthen in-house capabilities., * Lead board bring-up activities on Qualcomm SoC-based IVI / connectivity platforms * Develop and debug kernel/device drivers and BSP components (QNX or Android/Linux) * Enable core subsystems (boot chain, clocks/resets, storage, power sequencing) needed for platform readiness * Collaborate with HW teams on schematic/DT review and interface validation Hardware-Software Integration & Debugging * Debug complex HW/SW interaction issues across drivers, firmware, and peripherals * Perform root-cause analysis using tracing/logging and lab instrumentation; drive issues to closure * Partner with suppliers and cross-functional teams to resolve platform defects and unblock integration Cross-ECU Coordination & Platform Services * Support integration topics spanning IVI ECU and connectivity/MCU components (e.g., power and wake coordination) * Define and document low-level interfaces, assumptions, and bring-up checklists to improve repeatability Production Readiness & Validation Support * Support DV/PV and manufacturing readiness (flashing, diagnostics hooks, stability fixes, performance tuning) * Improve observability and robustness (error handling, watchdogs, recovery paths) for production deployments * Provide on-site/remote support during critical integration builds and validation events as needed Technical Leadership & Best Practices * Mentor engineers and contribute to design/code reviews with an emphasis on quality and maintainability * Drive best practices for driver architecture, testing strategies, and documentation * Continuously improve bring-up workflows, tooling, and automation where applicable ## Related Videos - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [For the Cars and the Curious: Android Drift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/499-for-the-cars-and-the-curious-android-drift) - [The best of two worlds - Bringing enterprise-grade Linux to the vehicle](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/67-the-best-of-two-worlds-bringing-enterprise-grade-linux-to-the-vehicle) - [A Hitchhikers Guide to Container Security - Automotive Edition 2024](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1119-a-hitchhikers-guide-to-container-security-automotive-edition-2024) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) ## Related Articles - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Where To Find Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/396-where-to-find-software-engineering-jobs) - [Where to Find Entry-Level Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/397-where-to-find-entry-level-software-engineering-jobs) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)