Director E/E Architecture- SDV Hub (m/f/d)

Here at CARIAD we are facing increased innovative competition from new tech-savvy players in our industry. Mastering the paradigm shift to a customer-driven, software-first perspective has become a demanding challenge for many established automotive manufacturers. Shifting to a software-defined approach is a fundamental change away from predominantly engineering-minded environments.

In strategic foresight, Volkswagen has created a central software unit called CARIAD to provide a platform in this essential exercise across our brands. While CARIAD also covers the software platform for all existing models in the market, the focus now is on creating a truly software-defined vehicle (SDV) unit – the CARIAD SDV Hub. This hub, which is currently in its ramp-up phase, will support the development of new and mostly battery electric cars’ software and hardware architectures in a confined, fast-growing environment.

For the core of the SDV Hub, we are looking to hire engineers and other technology professionals across all levels that are ready to rethink the way we do software for our future cars. After a thorough analysis of both our current architectures and the best practices as displayed by some of our competitors in the market, we have identified broad strategic guidelines and a general direction for the SDV Hub. The SDV Hub allows for complete conceptional freedom to fill this space with cutting-edge, innovative architectures that will be the foundation for all of our software products including a cross-organizational continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline combined with efficient processes, methods and tools.

The thorough integration of selected brand vehicles will ensure a complete end-to-end perspective. Thus, principles of modern software development will enable a new level of customer satisfaction in products to come.

We, the E/E architecture team for the SDV hub, oversee the electric and electronic behavior and interaction among the vehicle components. Our daily mission involves shaping a competitive and contemporary mobility experience for our upcoming vehicle generations, all built upon a software-defined vehicle foundation.

1. Heading a department of motivated engineers, leading your teams functionally and disciplinary
2. Development concept strategy for E/E systems, as well as concept development and modeling of E/E functions
3. Develop high level E/E architecture based on the brand requirements
4. Leading the effort for the future automotive EE architecture for the next generation of vehicles
5. Lead proof of concept (PoC) studies to validate proposed HW/ SW architecture
6. Continuous compliance monitoring to meet targets in terms of cost, quality, function, variance and weight with market-specific regulation and defined environmental targets

Visionary with strong moderation skills. Strong skill in working with cross functional teams. Several years of experience in leading and managing teams with strong leadership and decision-making skills. Good knowledge of global automotive trends. Deep experience in base technologies (e.g., ECU development). Knowledge of low voltage and high voltage energy systems and it’s expected interactions within E/E Architecture. Knowledge of Software Architecture and Software Development process. Understanding of global automotive standards and safety certifications. Understanding of state-of-the-art automotive security concepts. Ideally minimum of eight years of hardware and/ or software development experience. Proven track record in shipping high volume products. Knowledge in homologation, testing, integration/diagnostics.

Remote work options. Temporary work from abroad in selected countries. Flextime / optional working hours. Company pension plan. Annual professional development. Sabbatical option up to 6 months. 30 days paid + 10 days unpaid leave. Possibility for VW Group car leasing.

If you have further questions about the candidate journey at CARIAD, please contact us: