The Volkswagen Group, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany, is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group comprises twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN.
Brief Role Description
At the Innovation & Engineering Center California (IECC), we represent the Volkswagen Group in applied research and development in Silicon Valley. Our team of engineers, designers, scientists, and psychologists develops innovations for future generations of cars and transfers technologies from many industries and research institutions into the automotive domain.
This position responsibilities
The Software Platforms group manages all research and development activities in Connected Mobility Products, Artificial Intelligence-based orchestration layer, and Network-based next‑generation Cloud applications. Key responsibilities include personnel management, multi-million‑dollar program management, financial planning, internal reporting, network management, support and mentorship of engineering teams, and quality control of automotive‑grade software product deliverables.
Role Responsibilities
- Define the technical mission, architecture strategy, and long‑term platform vision for the In‑Vehicle Computing & Digital Ecosystem Applications team, spanning Android Automotive OS (AAOS), in‑vehicle compute platforms, Software‑Defined Vehicle (SDV) architecture, and AI‑driven cockpit intelligence.
- Provide technical leadership across the full software stack, including Android Framework, System Services, HAL layers, middleware, connectivity stacks, media/audio frameworks, HMI toolchains, and cloud‑connected AI runtimes within an SDV‑aligned architecture.
- Lead and mentor engineering teams in platform bring‑up, system integration, performance optimization, and development of AI‑agentic features, multimodal interaction models, and next‑generation speech technologies.
- Manage multi‑year budgets for platform development, AI integration, SDV‑aligned compute evolution, SoC evaluations, cloud services, and prototype programs.
- Deliver executive‑level technical reporting on architecture decisions, platform readiness, SDV integration milestones, AI progress, risks, and strategic recommendations.
- Drive strategic planning for ICC’s infotainment and cockpit portfolio, including AAOS evolution, hybrid cloud/edge AI pipelines, intelligent mobile agent technologies, and SDV‑centric software and compute roadmaps.
Cross‑Functional & Ecosystem Leadership
- Align technical roadmaps with global VW Group Innovation teams across infotainment, connectivity, AI/ML, vehicle architecture, cloud services, and SDV platform strategy.
- Build strategic relationships with SoC vendors, Tier‑1 suppliers, cloud providers, and AI technology partners.
- Maintain partnerships with Silicon Valley companies specializing in AI runtimes, LLMs, speech, multimodal interaction, and automotive‑grade SDV‑compatible software frameworks.
- Collaborate with academic and research institutions on AI‑agentic systems, embedded ML, HMI, and in‑vehicle compute architectures aligned with SDV principles.
- Represent Volkswagen Group as a technical leader in the Silicon Valley ecosystem.
People Leadership
- Provide technical and organizational leadership for engineers, contractors, interns, and field service engineers across Android, embedded systems, AI/ML, cloud services, HMI, and SDV‑related software domains.
- Lead recruitment to build a high‑caliber engineering organization.
- Foster continuous technical growth through mentorship, architecture reviews, and hands‑on engineering guidance.
Research & Development Responsibilities
- Secure internal funding for ICC initiatives aligned with VW Group Innovation’s global SDV strategy.
- Synchronize ICC technical topics with partner departments to ensure integration into global SDV‑based vehicle programs.
- Evaluate emerging consumer electronics, AI frameworks, Android advancements, and compute trends to guide SDV‑aligned cockpit architecture.
- Translate Silicon Valley research outputs into production‑relevant SDV‑compatible technologies.
- Oversee IP creation in AI orchestration layers, multimodal agent systems, AAOS extensions, and SDV‑oriented in‑vehicle compute innovations.
- Lead R&D and release of North American accessories ensuring technical integration with SDV‑based vehicle systems.
- Oversee software module development, integration, validation, and global releases for multiple VW Group brands.
Qualification requirements
- 10+ years with 2+ years in a technical leadership role.
- CS, EE, M.S. Engineering (or equivalent) required.
- M.S. Engineering (or equivalent) or PhD preferred.
Education
- CS, EE, M.S. Engineering (or equivalent) required.
- M.S. Engineering (or equivalent) or PhD preferred.
Skills
- Analytical and conceptual thinking.
- Communication skills – interpersonal, presentation, written.
- Managing interdisciplinary teams on individual projects.
- Integration – joining people, processes or systems.
- Influencing and negotiation skills.
- Problem solving.
- Resource management.
- Scouting novel technologies for In‑Vehicle SW applications like Android Automotive.
Additional Required & Desired Skills
- Technical Leadership & Software Expertise: extensive automotive electronics leadership, Android Automotive OS, infotainment software, in‑vehicle compute platforms.
- Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Deep expertise in embedded software architecture, real‑time operating systems, middleware, HAL layers, system services, distributed compute systems.
- Experience defining software and SDV architecture, system topologies, interfaces, and long‑term platform roadmaps.
- Strong background in evaluating compute architectures, AI frameworks, tools, and algorithms for cockpit systems.
- Hands‑on experience designing, developing, and integrating Android Automotive infotainment stacks.
- Proven track record in scouting emerging technologies and converting them into production‑ready concepts.
- Experience ideating, prototyping, generating intellectual property in infotainment, multimedia, and in‑vehicle compute domains.
- Long‑term experience managing large, complex, multi‑party software programs.
- Strong financial and budget management skills for multi‑million‑dollar R&D portfolios.
- Ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with SoC vendors, Tier‑1 suppliers, cloud providers, and AI partners.
- 10+ years in automotive research, pre‑development, or development (desired).
- Experience with VW Group infotainment programs or suppliers (desired).
- Knowledge of competitor cockpit and infotainment architectures (desired).
- Familiarity with virtualization, embedded Linux/Android development, advanced graphics pipelines, and modern toolchains (desired).
- Understanding of UI/UX architectures for mobile and automotive systems (desired).
- Multilingual communication (English, Spanish, German) (desired).
- Experience designing next‑generation infotainment or cockpit platforms (desired).
- Established partnerships with consumer electronics and Silicon Valley technology companies (desired).
Work Flexibility
- Up to 20% travel – domestic and international.
Compensation Data
In Silicon Valley (California), the salary range for this role is $240,000 – $285,000, depending on education and years of relevant experience. Salary is determined by geographical location and adjusted accordingly.
Other Benefits For This Position Include
- Eligibility for annual performance bonus.
- Healthcare benefits.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Defined contribution retirement program.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Company lease car program.
- Paid time off.
Competencies
- Act as an owner.
- Be a pioneer.
- Excite customer.
- Grow personally.
- Handle complexity.
- Live integrity & compliance.
- Live passion.
- Perform together.
- Think ahead.
Volkswagen Group of America 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 or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.
This role description is a guideline and does not create contractual rights between the Company and any of its applicants. The Company does not obligate mandatory employment terms.
This organization participates in E-Verify. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform mandatory pre‑employment substance testing.
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