Sr Software Engineer, Integration

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 Sr Software Engineer, Integration integrates production C++ software, embedded middleware, and AI inference components into CARIAD’s autonomous-driving software stack. The role connects application software, inference runtimes, and embedded hardware to deliver reliable, real-time system behavior. Operating as a senior individual contributor, this engineer independently owns assigned complex integration deliverables on platforms such as Qualcomm 8797 and NVIDIA DRIVE Thor. The role develops C++ adapters and glue code, diagnoses issues across system interfaces, and validates integrated software through embedded testing, recompute with bit-identical replay, and HIL testing. The engineer will work closely with machine learning, embedded software, hardware, simulation, and vehicle engineering teams to resolve integration issues and prepare software for deployment. Role Responsibilities: C++ and Middleware Integration • Design, implement, and maintain production-quality C++ software that integrates application components with embedded middleware such as Apex.AI, AOS, or ROS. • Develop C++ adapters and glue code for data exchange, interface compatibility, component lifecycle, and runtime coordination. • Integrate and debug software on Qualcomm 8797 and/or NVIDIA DRIVE Thor development kits, resolving issues across software and hardware boundaries. • Independently own assigned integration issues from reproduction and root-cause analysis through corrective implementation and verified resolution, escalating cross-system architectural decisions as appropriate. Embedded AI Inference Integration • Integrate AI models and inference runtimes into embedded applications, including input and output handling and execution interfaces. • Implement and maintain C++ adapters connecting inference libraries with middleware and application software. • Profile and resolve integration issues affecting inference correctness, latency, memory use, and runtime stability on target hardware. • Collaborate with ML engineers to validate model behavior and runtime compatibility, using QNN or TensorRT where applicable. Embedded Testing and Validation • Develop and execute embedded integration on development kits, benches, and HIL systems. • Implement and maintain recompute workflows for bit-identical replay under controlled inputs and execution conditions. • Investigate replay mismatches and integration regressions using logs, traces, recorded data, and target-hardware evidence. • Automate regression testing and document functional, timing, and resource-use results to support release Technical Collaboration and Documentation • Coordinate interface changes and integration dependencies with ML, embedded software, hardware, simulation, and vehicle engineering teams. • Participate in design and code reviews, provide practical technical guidance to engineering peers, and document interfaces, configurations, integration procedures, and validation evidence. • Improve integration tooling and share lessons learned to increase reliability, reproducibility, and development efficiency. General Skills: • Strong analytical and debugging skills across software, middleware, runtime, and hardware interfaces. • Ability to independently own complex integration work and resolve issues using measurable evidence. • Clear communication and effective collaboration with ML, embedded software, hardware, and vehicle engineering teams. • Strong software engineering practices, including code review, testing, documentation, and reproducible validation. Required Specialized Skills: • Strong hands-on C++ programming skills are required, including production-quality embedded software development and debugging. • Experience integrating software with embedded middleware solutions such as Apex.AI, AOS, or ROS • Hands-on experience integrating and debugging software on embedded AI compute platforms or development kits (e.g., Qualcomm 8797 or NVIDIA DRIVE Thor). • Experience integrating AI inference on embedded targets, including C++ adapters and glue code connecting models, inference runtimes, and application interfaces. • Experience with embedded testing, including recompute (bit-identical replay) and hardware-in-the- loop (HIL) validation. Desired Skills: • Knowledge of QNN and TensorRT libraries for embedded AI inference integration. • Experience integrating or debugging camera, radar, and lidar drivers. • Experience with agentic workflows for implementation, debugging, testing, or documentation, with review and validation of generated output. Workplace Flexibility: • Hands-on work with embedded development kits, lab systems, HIL environments, and development vehicles may require on-site presence when integration or validation activities cannot be performed remotely. • Collaboration across U.S. and international time zones and occasional travel for integration activities or vehicle testing may be required. Years of Relevant Experience: • 6+ years of experience in C++ software development, embedded systems, or software integration. • Hands-on experience integrating, debugging, and validating software on embedded target hardware. • Experience independently delivering complex technical work from integration planning through implementation and validation. Required Education: • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience. Desired Education: • Master's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field. Compensation Salary range is dependent on factors such as geographical differentials, credentials or certifications, industry-based experience, qualification and training. The salary range for this position is $128,369 - $185,858. 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. 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 subject to export control and sanctions compliance. Some positions may involve access to technology and/or software source code subject to U.S. legal restrictions on release to cer