Lead Automotive Software Architect

About

Our client, a rapidly growing innovator in the automotive technology sector, is seeking a Lead Automotive Software Architect to join their collaborative team in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US. This pivotal role involves designing and guiding the development of complex software systems for next‑generation vehicles, focusing on areas such as autonomous driving, infotainment, and vehicle connectivity. You will be responsible for defining the overall software architecture, ensuring its scalability, reliability, and maintainability. This includes selecting appropriate technologies, defining software components and interfaces, and establishing coding standards and best practices.

As a Lead Architect, you will mentor a team of talented software engineers, provide technical leadership, and foster a culture of innovation and technical excellence. You will work closely with product managers, hardware engineers, and other stakeholders to translate requirements into robust software solutions. Key responsibilities include conducting architectural reviews, identifying and mitigating technical risks, and ensuring adherence to automotive industry standards (e.g., AUTOSAR, ISO 26262). You will also play a crucial role in evaluating new technologies and methodologies to enhance our software development process.

The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of embedded systems, real‑time operating systems (RTOS), and software development lifecycles within the automotive domain. Strong experience with C++, Python, and various automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN, Ethernet) is essential. You should have a proven ability to architect complex, distributed systems and a passion for solving challenging technical problems. Excellent communication and leadership skills are critical for effectively collaborating with cross‑functional teams and driving architectural decisions. This role offers the exciting opportunity to shape the future of automotive software and contribute to the development of groundbreaking automotive technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and guide the development of complex software systems for next‑generation vehicles, including autonomous driving, infotainment, and vehicle connectivity.
• Define the overall software architecture, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability.
• Select appropriate technologies, define software components and interfaces, and establish coding standards and best practices.
• Mentor a team of talented software engineers and provide technical leadership.
• Foster a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
• Work closely with product managers, hardware engineers, and other stakeholders to translate requirements into robust software solutions.
• Conduct architectural reviews and identify and mitigate technical risks.
• Ensure adherence to automotive industry standards (e.g., AUTOSAR, ISO 26262).
• Evaluate new technologies and methodologies to enhance the software development process.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in software development, with at least 5 years in software architecture, specifically within the automotive industry.
• Extensive experience designing and implementing complex embedded software systems for automotive applications.
• In‑depth knowledge of automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, etc.).
• Proficiency in C++ and embedded software development environments.
• Experience with RTOS and AUTOSAR is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of software security principles and automotive safety standards (ISO 26262).
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and communication skills.
• Ability to define and enforce architectural standards and best practices.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies.