Associate Director, Advanced Engineering - Software Dev. (0003-0006)

Associate Director, Advanced Engineering - Software Development
Lead the development and early demonstration of software included in the technology roadmap for in-vehicle infotainment and cockpit systems. Identify, prototype, and de-risk emerging technologies before they are committed to production programs, including new SoC platforms, VirtIO/vSkipGen hardware virtualization, software-defined vehicle architectures, AAOS, ADAS/CDC domain integration, edge AI,OTA, and advanced HMI. Provide portfolio and people leadership by directing the team, managing budgets, setting technical strategy, and mentoring staff. Serve as a technical interface to OEM customers and internal/global stakeholders while supporting business development and innovation demonstrations. Embed architecture, cybersecurity, functional safety, and standards considerations into early designs so concepts can mature into production-ready engineering. Partner with global leadership to advance vSkipGen as a de facto industry standard, build credible ADAS capability through strategic partnerships, generate licensable IP, and reduce development lead time toward an 18-month production cycle through CI/CD automation and digital-first practices.

Responsible for the technical interface with software technology partners, OS vendors, open-source consortia, and tool suppliers to evaluate and qualify emerging technologies for platform inclusion; leverages software platform roadmaps (e.g., AUTOSAR Adaptive, Android Automotive, Linux-based IVI, connectivity and cybersecurity stacks) to advance PoC builds into production-ready software platforms that provide sustainable competitive advantage. Partner with Program Management, Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity, and SSQ to translate PoC outcomes into platform readiness criteria; defines technology readiness level (TRL) gates, and software acceptance criteria required to transition Advanced Engineering software platforms to product engineering. Foster an Advanced Engineering software culture that rewards rapid experimentation, disciplined PoC iteration, and platform maturation; accelerates capability build-up in rapid prototyping, hardware-software co-design, and software reuse architecture to compress the innovation-to-platform cycle across all assigned technology domains. Ensure Advanced Engineering software teams are staffed and equipped with the prototyping tools, lab infrastructure, and development environments required to execute PoC programs and advance platform readiness; aligns team structure and technical skill sets to the current and projected technology incubation portfolio. Maintain close engagement with strategic OEM customers (e.g., Toyota, Honda, GM, Ford, Stellantis) to understand next-generation software-defined vehicle (SDV) feature demands, cybersecurity requirements, and 3-to-5-year technology roadmaps; translates customer pull into Advanced Engineering PoC charters and platform readiness targets, and leads technical demonstrations to secure early adopter program commitments. Define AE software architecture, PoC standards, platform readiness criteria, and technical gate reviews. Align AE strategy with Production Engineering through structured planning and joint goal calibration. Advance CI/CD, vSkipGen, and digital development infrastructure as standalone, IPO-ready capabilities. Drive vSkipGen/VirtIO toward industry standard adoption through open-source contributions and ecosystem partnerships. Build AEADAS capability through strategic partners and deliver at least one customer-ready PoC or funded demo annually. Grow funded collaborations with Google, Amazon, Apple, Qualcomm, and other partners into production-ready JOEM platform capabilities. Assume full ownership and management accountability for the scoping, execution, and on-schedule delivery of assigned Advanced Engineering software PoC programs and platform readiness initiatives, ensuring each technology milestone, customer demonstration event, and platform gate review is met with demonstrable, working software.

HOURS: 40 hours per week (9 am to 6 pm)

Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related discipline followed by ten (10) years of progressive experience in the specialty field. Experience above must include five (5) years of demonstrated software engineering leadership at a management level, with direct experience leading Advanced Engineering or R&D software teams.
Please copy and paste your resume in the email body (do not send attachments; we cannot open them) and email it to candidates at placementservicesusa.com with job reference #0030-0006 in the subject line.

Thank you.