Principal Software Engineer, Infotainment

One of the world's largest vehicle manufacturers is searching for a Principal Infotainment Systems Engineer to join their advanced hardware platform team onsite in Mountain View, CA. In this pivotal role, you’ll drive the design, integration, and validation of next-generation infotainment ECU systems impacting the user experience in millions of vehicles worldwide. If you thrive in technically complex environments, love tackling large-scale system challenges, and want to play a key role in shaping the future of in-vehicle technology, this may be your next career step!

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end system execution of embedded infotainment ECUs, overseeing feature development, systems integration, validation, and delivery timelines.
• Guide teams in defining requirements, building performance models, and validating feature implementation to ensure a premium user experience and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate closely with hardware and board engineering groups to optimize architecture for power, interface compatibility, audio/video pipelines, and system performance.
• Coordinate the development and review of schematics and PCBs, track thermal and EMI risks, and manage hardware validation across multiple development builds.
• Spearhead the integration of ECUs into vehicle networks, planning and executing system-level and in-vehicle testing, and ensuring timely resolution of issues.
• Partner with SoC and software teams on silicon selection, bootloader and operating system integration, and system stability improvements.
• Interface regularly with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and cross-functional teams, ensuring that all deliverables meet requirements and acceptance criteria.
• Drive alignment between engineering, HMI, cloud, and connectivity teams, supporting cross-domain initiatives.
• Proactively address system ambiguity, triage hardware/software issues, and escalate risks to drive to closure with all partners.

Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or related discipline required; Master’s preferred.
• At least 12 years’ experience driving complex systems engineering initiatives, especially for embedded infotainment ECUs, with expertise in SoC, hardware, and vehicle integration.
• Demonstrated ability to architect, integrate, and validate high-performance systems spanning processor, board, and vehicle domains.
• Proficient background in ARM SoC platforms, memory and storage subsystems, peripheral interfaces such as PCIe and USB, and multimedia (audio/display) pipelines.
• Hands-on skills with embedded Linux/RTOS, bootloaders, board-level bring-up, schematic/layout review, and cross-domain debugging.
• Extensive knowledge of automotive communication networks (CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet) and experience leading cross-functional validation efforts.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, influencing, and communication abilities; adept at navigating organizational complexities and driving clarity and execution across teams.
• Experience in strategies for system safety, with preferred exposure to ISO 26262 and cybersecurity standards.
• Familiarity with Android Automotive, QNX, OTA update management, and infotainment stack optimization is a plus.
• Self-motivated, highly accountable, thrives under ambiguity, and skilled in coordinating deliverables across multiple partners.
• Willingness to travel occasionally (less than 15% of the time).