Staff Software Engineer, Test

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 Staff Software Engineer, Test is responsible for designing, implementing, and validating software for CARIAD’s next-generation automated driving systems.  This role applies strong knowledge of embedded systems, test automation frameworks, and CI/CD pipelines to design and implement automated test scripts, execute comprehensive test plans, analyze validation results, and improve software quality, performance, and reliability within assigned systems and programs.

The Staff Software Engineer, Test collaborates closely with cross-functional teams across assigned programs and platforms to contribute to the innovation and evolution of software-driven automotive experiences.

Role Responsibilities:

Automated Test Script Development

• Design and implement automated test frameworks for assigned automated driving programs.
• Improve scalable, reusable, and efficient automation frameworks for large-scale infotainment systems.
• Apply established testing best practices and contribute improvements based on program needs.
• Influence software development processes by integrating cutting-edge testing methodologies.

Automation Infrastructure & Continuous Integration 

• Design and oversee the development of robust test automation pipelines in CI/CD environments.
• Ensure automation solutions integrate cleanly with existing CI/CD pipelines for assigned teams.
• Optimize test execution pipelines for efficiency, scalability, and reliability.
• Evaluate and implement AI-assisted testing techniques where applicable within program scope.

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including software, hardware, and program management teams.
• Communicate project status, technical challenges, and solutions in a clear and concise manner.
• Participate in architectural discussions related to test and validation for assigned systems.

Quality Metrics & Process Improvement

• Track and analyze quality metrics to assess test effectiveness and inform improvements 
• Drive initiatives to improve defect detection, test coverage, and software reliability.
• Advocate for and implement automated test planning, execution, and reporting processes.

Verification and Validation of Automated Driving Systems

• Validate Automated Driving Systems, ensuring functionality for parking, safety and driving systems across various levels of automation.
• Conduct tests on public roads and proving grounds, vehicle electronics, and other related domains.

Documentation 

• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation including design specification, build procedure, test reports, bug description, root cause and solution description, user guides, and release notes

​General Skills:

• Analytical and debugging skills.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to provide technical guidance within assigned projects through collaboration and code/test reviews
• Ability to facilitate technical discussions related to assigned systems
• Collaborate and work with multiple teams across geographies and time zones

​Required Skills:

• Strong background in testing automated driving systems including scenario based testing
• Strong technical knowledge of automotive communication protocols such as CAN, DOIP, and Ethernet, and their impact on automated driving systems. 
• Experience designing and implementing test automation frameworks with a focus on scalability, efficiency, and data-driven analytics. 
• Experience in implementing and executing vehicle-level test approaches aligned with established development and validation workflows
• Experience in developing system/subsystem test plans and reports to support validation, compliance, and quality objectives
• Experience with automotive application protocol UDS, SomeIP
• Experience with interface communication protocols USB, UART, SPI, I2C
• Experience with networking tools CANoe, PCAN, Wireshark, PacketSender
• Experience with Android CTS testing and Monkey testing
• Experience incorporating data analytics into automated test frameworks

Desired Skills:

• Experience with Linux
• Experience with ISO 26262 or other safety standard testing 
• Experience with log analysis for anomaly detection
• Experience using Generative AI or Large Language Models (LLM) to improve software test efficiency and quality

Workplace Flexibility:

• Frequent early morning calls, (virtual) meetings & workshops (overlapping with German business hours)
• Occasional international and domestic travel to provide on-site support and planning/integration workshops with our internal and external stakeholders

​Years of Relevant Experience:

• 8+ years working as a Software Validation in the automated driving context
• 8+ years experience in Python Pytest
• 8+ years experience with Embedded Linux, Android application testing
• 6+ years experience in automation framework development
• 6+ years experience with Docker Container, Jenkins

​Required Education:

• BS in Computer Science or Computer/Electrical Engineering

Desired Education:

• MS in Computer/Electrical Engineering or Computer Science.

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, California, the salary range for this position is $161,710 - 234,325.

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 certain foreign persons based on citizenship or permanent residence. To ensure compliance, applicants will be required to provide information for screening. Employment may be contingent on the outcome, including verification of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, or confirmation that a license, exemption, or exception applies. CARIAD retains the discretion to decline to obtain a required license in any case. By applying, you acknowledge and agree to participate in this process.