Automotive Infotainment Architect -Software Focused

Role: Automotive Infotainment Architect - Software Focused Location: RemotePosition Type : Contract Job Description:\"The Architect, IIX Systems, is a senior technical leader responsible for shaping, validating, and guiding the detailed architecture and system integration of infotainment and digital experience solutions within the Interior, Infotainment & Digital Experience (IIX) domain.This role focuses deeply on the design and optimization of the in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) platform, encompassing audio, graphic, connectivity, vehicle communication, diagnostic, FOTA, and application frameworks that define the customer’s digital experience inside the vehicle.As a senior individual contributor, the Architect ensures that complex infotainment systems are designed for scalability, performance, and interoperability across brands within the Volkswagen Group.This role bridges conceptual architecture with implementation, translating system requirements and platform principles into tangible, production-ready designs. The Architect collaborates closely with Principal Architects, Delivery Units, and brand engineering teams to drive cross-domain alignment, ensuring that infotainment solutions meet technical, regulatory, and experiential standards at global scale.SkillsStrong leadership and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to drive initiatives and influence change across the organizationExceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organizationCollaborate and work with multiple and cross functional teams (product teams, engineering systems and validation teams, hardware teams) across geographies and time zonesExcellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and mitigate complex architectural and system-level risks, including those related to security, safety, and performanceAbility to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment\"Key Responsibilities\"Architectural Design and Technical LeadershipTranslate the architectural vision and platform principles into system and software architecture design specifications and integration blueprints.Define and maintain system decomposition, component responsibilities, and inter-process communication interfaces.Drive the evaluation and adoption of technologies that support modularity, reusability, and scalability.Serve as the technical lead for complex design and integration challenges across software, hardware, and vehicle network layers.Review and validate design proposals from development teams for technical soundness and architectural alignment.System Integration and Cross-Domain AlignmentLead technical deep dives and design reviews across functional areas such as Applications, SW platform and Hardware.Ensure seamless interaction and data exchange between IIX subsystems and adjacent vehicle domains.Collaborate with Systems Engineering and Delivery Units to align architecture deliverables with project milestones.Support integration readiness by identifying dependencies, risks, and optimization opportunities early in the lifecycle.Provide hands-on guidance during system bring-up, debugging, and performance tuning phases.Collaboration and Stakeholder EngagementPartner with cross-functional teams including Brand Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Security to align technical decisions with product and compliance goals.Engage with Tier 1 suppliers and technology vendors to ensure interoperability and adherence to interface specifications.Contribute to cross-brand forums and architecture working groups to promote standardization and knowledge sharing.Serve as a mentor and technical resource for engineers and architects, fostering growth within the architecture team.Technical Governance and Risk ManagementSupport the definition and enforcement of architecture review processes, design quality gates, and compliance checklists.Identify and mitigate technical risks related to performance, scalability, safety, and maintainability.Ensure solutions comply with relevant safety and regulatory standards (ISO 26262, UNECE R155/R156).Contribute to maintaining architectural traceability from requirements to implementation and validation.Innovation and Continuous ImprovementMonitor emerging technologies in embedded systems, Android OS, and connected car ecosystems.Propose improvements to architecture methodologies, tools, and documentation standards.Contribute to capability-building efforts by developing reusable design assets and best practices.Foster a culture of technical excellence and innovation within the architecture and engineering community.\"What are the Mandatory skills and skill proficiencies required for this position? \"Calls, (virtual) meetings & workshops (overlapping with German/US business hours as needed) to align with leadership and development teams.Up to 25%. Requires occasional domestic/international travel and extended hours as necessary to meet the demands of the role.Years of ExperienceMinimum 10 years of professional experience in software and system architecture design, ideally in in infotainment, embedded systems, or consumer electronics domains.Required EducationBachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, or a related fieldHard Must Have Skills: Infotainment, Architectural design experience (more on the SW side, but some HW will be helpful for the role)This can be REMOTE. Only in the US. East Coast is ideal.\"What are the Optional skills and skill proficiencies for this position? Desired EducationMaster’s or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related fieldDesired SkillsExperience working with Volkswagen’s E/E architecture (E3 1.1/1.2) or comparable OEM platform.Knowledge of vehicle communication protocols (Ethernet, CAN, LIN).Exposure to OTA update mechanisms, diagnostics frameworks, and ISO 26262 safety design principles.Prior experience with cloud connectivity or mobile app integration within in-car experiences.Strong collaboration skills and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments across brands and suppliers.German language proficiency or experience working within German-based engineering organizations.\"Best Regards,Bismillah Arzoo (AB)