Hardware Engineer (Contract)

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:

We are looking for a Hardware Engineer (Contract) to join the Hardware Platform Development team at CARIAD. This role focuses on the design, development, validation, and support of Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and related electrical/electronic hardware systems for next-generation vehicles.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in automotive hardware development, including board-level design, schematic/layout review, and system bring-up. This position collaborates closely with software engineers, validation teams, and suppliers to ensure robust, production-ready EE platforms.

Role Responsibilities:

Hardware Development 

• Design and develop ECU hardware solutions in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Review and validate schematics, layouts, and component selections
• Support hardware bring-up, system integration, and functional validation
• Develop and maintain detailed hardware documentation (design specs, BOMs, schematics, test plans)
• Work closely with software engineers to support low-level integration and debugging
• Participate in failure analysis and root cause investigations
• Interface with external suppliers and contract manufacturers on hardware builds
• Ensure compliance with internal design standards, industry regulations, and automotive quality processes

Operational Management 

• Assist with production and manufacturing test development for ECU hardware
• Support prototype and pre-production builds, including rework and hardware modifications
• Monitor and report on technical risks, delivery timelines, and quality issues
• Contribute to team knowledge sharing and continuous improvement of development processes

​General Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and debugging abilities
• Excellent attention to detail and documentation
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team
• Strong organizational and time management skills

​Required Skills:

• Experience in design and development of ECUs or embedded electronic systems
• Proficiency in schematic capture and PCB layout tools
• Experience with hardware bring-up, board-level debugging, and validation
• Familiarity with automotive communication protocols: CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, power supplies)
• Understanding of functional safety (ISO 26262) and EMI/EMC considerations

​Desired Skills:

• Knowledge of connected vehicle infotainment and communication software systems
• Knowledge of DFMEA, DVP&R, and other automotive quality processes

​Years of Relevant Experience:

• 10+ years of hardware engineering experience in automotive or embedded electronics development

​Required Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field

Workplace Flexility & Compensation:

• ​This is a contract W2 position
• This role is based in Mountain View, CA. Must be local, no relocation.
• Immediate availability is required. The selected candidate is expected to start promptly upon offer acceptance and pending successful completion of a standard background check and drug screening
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship now or in the future
• We do not accept C2C (Corp-to-Corp), 1099, or third-party agency submissions for this position
• The hourly contract rate for this position in Mountain View, CA is $110.00 - $115.00/hour, depending on factors such as qualifications, certifications, relevant experience, and training.

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.