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 Engineer, Software Test & Release is a senior individual contributor within the Hardware Platform Development team, responsible for building and operating software test capabilities that de-risk ECU/HPC bring-up, system integration, and production release readiness. This role blends hands-on software development (automation frameworks, tooling, CI integration) with deep embedded validation on real hardware, benches, HIL setups, and in-vehicle environments.

Operating with high autonomy, the Principal Engineer, Software Test & Release drives test strategy, improves observability and diagnostics, and partners across hardware, systems, manufacturing, and suppliers to deliver robust, repeatable validation and high-confidence software releases.

Role Responsibilities:

Validation Strategy, Quality Gates & Program Readiness

Define platform-level validation strategy across ECU/HPC variants and vehicle programs, aligned to EVT/DVT/PVT milestones.
Establish release readiness criteria, quality gates, and escalation mechanisms that reduce defect escape and schedule risk.
Drive alignment on requirements-to-test traceability and evidence needed for stakeholder sign-off.

SW Test Automation, Observability & Infrastructure

Own the evolution of automation frameworks and reusable test libraries for BSP/base software, drivers, and platform services.
Improve observability (logs, traces, metrics) and build scalable lab execution (power cycling, flashing, data capture).
Integrate validation into CI/CD with reliable regression, flake management, and actionable reporting.

HW/SW Integration Validation (Bench, HIL, Vehicle)

Lead system integration test planning and execution across benches, HIL, and in-vehicle environments for hardware platforms.
Validate platform behaviors across vehicle networks and interfaces (CAN/CAN-FD, DoIP, Ethernet, USB/UART as applicable).
Drive root-cause analysis with cross-functional owners and ensure robust fixes validated through targeted regression.

Release Qualification & Supplier Delivery Management

Qualify release candidates and supplier drops; define regression scope, triage workflows, and acceptance thresholds.
Partner with build/release and configuration management on versioning, artifact integrity, signing, and reproducibility.
Provide clear go/no-go recommendations with risk framing and mitigation options.

Technical Leadership, Mentorship & Continuous Improvement

Mentor engineers regarding test architecture, debugging, and quality-by-design practices across HW and SW teams.
Define and track quality metrics (coverage, pass rate, flakiness, defect escape) and drive targeted improvements.
Influence architecture decisions to improve testability, reliability, and long-term maintainability.

General Skills:

Strong systems-level debugging across HW/SW boundaries (boot chain, drivers, middleware, diagnostics, and vehicle networks).
Hands-on software development ability (Python and/or C/C++) to build test tools, harnesses, and automation for embedded platforms.
Ability to translate HW platform requirements and failure modes into efficient, repeatable test strategies and actionable defect reports.
Clear, structured communication with cross-functional teams (hardware, systems, manufacturing, suppliers, and brands) to drive issues to closure.
Ownership mindset with strong prioritization; drives predictable execution across EVT/DVT/PVT cycles and frequent software drops.

Required Specialized Skills:

Expertise designing and maintaining test automation frameworks (e.g., pytest or equivalent) for embedded Linux/BSP-level software.
Deep experience validating software on real hardware: board bring-up support, flashing workflows, serial/JTAG debug, and lab-based triage.
Strong knowledge of automotive diagnostics and comms: CAN/CAN-FD, DoIP, Ethernet; UDS and basic SOME/IP concepts; tools such as CANoe/PCAN and Wireshark.
Experience with CI/CD integration for validation (e.g., Jenkins/GitLab), quality gates, regression management, and flaky-test reduction.
High proficiency in scripting and tooling (Python, Bash) plus disciplined source control and code review practices (Git).

Desired Skills:

Experience enabling production and manufacturing test flows (factory flashing, end-of-line verification, traceability, and yield/defect analytics).
Familiarity with Yocto-based build artifacts and image/OTA packaging, plus release qualification for multi-variant ECU programs.
Working knowledge of functional safety and cybersecurity impacts on testing (ISO 26262 concepts, secure boot/update considerations).
Experience with HIL/SIL environments and bench automation (power cycling, stimulus generation, log/trace capture at scale).
Experience using structured test management and reporting (e.g., TestRail/Xray) and building data-driven quality dashboards.

Workplace Flexibility:

Hybrid role based in Mountain View, CA with regular lab/bench work as needed (ESD and safety procedures required); may require frequent on-site presence during integration events.
Calls and workshops overlapping with German business hours to align with global platform teams and vehicle programs.
Occasional domestic and international travel (typically <20%) to supplier sites, manufacturing partners, or vehicle integration events.
May require occasional after-hours support during critical integration builds, release cutovers, or validation events.

Years of Relevant Experience:

12+ years of experience in software / hardware testing methodologies & systems

Required Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline

Desired Education:

Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline

Compensation

Salary range is dependent on factors such as geographical differentials, credentials or certifications, industry-based experience, qualification and training. In the city of Mountain View, CA, the salary range for this position is $200,510.00 - $291, 217.00.

CARIAD, Inc. provides performance based merits and annual bonus along with a competitive benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match and defined contribution plan, short and long term disability, basic life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment plans, maternity and non-primary caregiver leave, adoption assistance, employee referral program and vacation and paid holidays. We also offer a unique vehicle lease program that covers registration and insurance fees.

CARIAD 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/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

Employment with Cariad Inc. is contingent upon the successful completion of this screening process. We emphasize the importance of compliance with export control and sanctions laws as a fundamental aspect of our operations. Our company is dedicated to adhering to these regulations to ensure the lawful and ethical conduct of our business activities. Employment with our company is contingent on either verifying U.S. citizenship or U.S. lawful permanent resident status or obtaining any necessary license or confirming the availability of an applicable exemption or license exception. You, the applicant, will be required to answer certain questions for export control purposes, and that information will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law. Cariad Inc. may choose not to apply for a license or use an applicable license exception (if available) for such individuals whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code may require authorization and may decline to proceed with an applicant on that basis alone.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree to participate in the export control and sanctions compliance screening process. Your cooperation in this matter is essential to our shared success and the integrity of our operations. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to upholding these important standards.

Principal Engineer Software Test Release