Director, Digital Ecosystem Applications (MUST HAVE ANDROID/AOSP/ANDROID AUTOMOTIVE)

Job description

Worldwide, the Volkswagen Group has a long tradition of dramatic innovations. The Volkswagen Group with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group comprises twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN. Brief Role Description At the Innovation & Engineering Center California (IECC) , we represent the Volkswagen Group in applied research and development. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, we create bold new ideas for the Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti and Porsche brands. We’re a team of engineers, designers, scientists, and psychologists looking to develop innovations for future generations of cars, and to transfer technologies from many industries and research institutions into the automotive domain. Our mission is to drive change which means we are not only impacting one of the world’s largest car makers, but also the lives of millions of people. Are you ready to join us? This position is responsible for the Software Platforms group at the Innovation Center California (ICC). The purpose of this position is to manage all research and development activities in the area of Connected Mobility Products, Artificial Intelligence based orchestration layer, and Network-based next generation Cloud applications. The Software Platforms group focuses on all aspects of the information and entertainment experience in and outside of the vehicle, for both the driver and passenger, including device integration, vehicle interface, media management, entertainment, and audio/acoustics, as well as interface and technology concepts for automotive applications. The position’s responsibilities include personnel management, multi-million-dollar development program management, financial planning, internal reporting, network management, support and mentorship of engineering team in engineering related matters, and quality control of automotive grade SW product deliverables. Role Responsibilities Define the technical mission, architecture strategy, and long‑term platform vision for the In‑Vehicle Computing & Digital Ecosystem Applications team, spanning Android Automotive OS (AAOS), in‑vehicle compute platforms, Software‑Defined Vehicle (SDV) architecture, and AI‑driven cockpit intelligence. Provide technical leadership across the full software stack, including Android Framework, System Services, HAL layers, middleware, connectivity stacks, media/audio frameworks, HMI toolchains, and cloud‑connected AI runtimes within an SDV‑aligned architecture. Lead and mentor engineering teams in platform bring‑up, system integration, performance optimization, and development of AI‑agentic features, multimodal interaction models, and next‑generation speech technologies. Manage multi‑year budgets for platform development, AI integration, SDV‑aligned compute evolution, SoC evaluations, cloud services, and prototype programs. Deliver executive‑level technical reporting on architecture decisions, platform readiness, SDV integration milestones, AI progress, risks, and strategic recommendations. Drive strategic planning for ICC’s infotainment and cockpit portfolio, including AAOS evolution, hybrid cloud/edge AI pipelines, intelligent mobile agent technologies, and SDV‑centric software and compute roadmaps. Cross ‑ Functional & Ecosystem Leadership Align technical roadmaps with global VW Group Innovation teams across infotainment, connectivity, AI/ML, vehicle architecture, cloud services, and SDV platform strategy, ensuring cross‑platform consistency and shared component reuse. Build strategic relationships with SoC vendors, Tier‑1 suppliers, cloud providers, and AI technology partners to influence cockpit compute and SDV platform evolution. Maintain partnerships with Silicon Valley companies specializing in AI runtimes, LLMs, speech, multimodal interaction, and automotive‑grade SDV‑compatible software frameworks. Collaborate with academic and research institutions on AI‑agentic systems, embedded ML, HMI, and in‑vehicle compute architectures aligned with SDV principles. Represent Volkswagen Group as a technical leader in the Silicon Valley ecosystem. People Leadership Provide technical and organizational leadership for engineers, contractors, interns, and field service engineers across Android, embedded systems, AI/ML, cloud services, HMI, and SDV‑related software domains. Lead recruitment to build a high‑caliber engineering organization with expertise in Android internals, system architecture, AI frameworks, embedded compute, and SDV‑aligned automotive software. Foster continuous technical growth through mentorship, architecture reviews, and hands‑on engineering guidance. Research & Development Responsibilities Research & Development Secure internal funding for ICC initiatives aligned with VW Group Innovation’s global SDV strategy and long‑term cockpit architecture goals. Synchronize ICC technical topics with partner departments to ensure integration into global SDV‑based vehicle programs and shared software platforms. Evaluate emerging consumer electronics, AI frameworks (LLMs, multimodal models), Android advancements, and compute trends to guide SDV‑aligned cockpit architecture. Translate Silicon Valley research outputs—AI prototypes, AAOS enhancements, new interaction models—into production‑relevant SDV‑compatible technologies. Oversee IP creation in AI orchestration layers, multimodal agent systems, AAOS extensions, and SDV‑oriented in‑vehicle compute innovations. Lead R&D and release of North American accessories, ensuring technical integration with SDV‑based vehicle systems. Oversee software module development, integration, validation, and global releases for multiple VW Group brands, ensuring automotive‑grade quality, robustness, and long‑term maintainability within SDV architectures. Qualification requirements Years of Required Experience 10+ years with 2+ years in a technical leadership role Education CS, EE, M.S. Engineering (or equivalent) REQUIRED M.S. Engineering (or equivalent) or PhD PREFERRED Skills Analytical and conceptual thinking – using logic and reason, creative and strategic Communication skills – interpersonal, presentation and written Managing interdisciplinary teams on individual projects Integration – joining people, processes or systems Influencing and negotiation skills Problem solving Resource management. Scouting novel technologies for In-Vehicle SW applications like Android Automotive #LI-CK1 Additional Required | Desired Skills Specialized Skills REQUIRED: Technical Leadership & Software Expertise Extensive leadership experience in research, pre‑development, and development of automotive electronics, with a strong focus on Android Automotive OS (AAOS) , infotainment software, and in‑vehicle compute platforms. Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, mentor senior engineers, and drive technical excellence across complex software programs. Deep expertise in embedded software architecture , real‑time operating systems, middleware, HAL layers, system services, and large‑scale distributed compute systems. Demonstrated experience defining software and SDV architecture , system topologies, interfaces, and long‑term platform roadmaps. Strong background in evaluating compute architectures, AI frameworks, tools, and algorithms for integration into next‑generation cockpit systems. Android Automotive & In‑Vehicle Software Hands‑on experience designing, developing, and integrating Android Automotive–based infotainment stacks , including framework customization, system services, media frameworks, connectivity, and HMI toolchains. Innovation & Advanced Concepts Proven track record in scouting emerging technologies (AI, LLMs, multimodal interaction, advanced graphics, compute platforms) and converting them into functional prototypes and production‑ready concepts. Experience ideating, prototyping, and generating intellectual property in infotainment, multimedia, and in‑vehicle compute domains. Program & Ecosystem Leadership Long‑term experience managing large, complex, multi‑party software programs with significant technical and organizational complexity. Strong financial and budget management skills for multi‑million‑dollar R&D portfolios. Ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with SoC vendors, Tier‑1 suppliers, cloud providers, and AI technology partners. DESIRED: Domain Experience 10+ years in automotive research, pre‑development, or development. Experience with VW Group infotainment programs or suppliers. Knowledge of competitor cockpit and infotainment architectures. Advanced Technical Skills Experience with virtualization, embedded Linux/Android development, advanced graphics pipelines, and modern toolchains. Familiarity with SDV development practices, cloud‑connected services, navigation, and driver‑assistance technologies. Understanding of UI/UX architectures for mobile and automotive systems. Additional Skills Multilingual communication (English, Spanish, German). Experience designing next‑generation infotainment or cockpit platforms. Established partnerships with consumer electronics and Silicon Valley technology companies. Work Flexibility Up to 20% travel - domestic and international Compensation Data In Silicon Valley (California), the salary range for this role will be $240,000 - $285,000, depending on education and years of relevant experience. Salary is determined by geographical location and adjusted accordingly. Other benefits for this position include: Eligibility for annual performance bonus Healthcare benefits 401(k), with company match Defined contribution retirement program. Tuition reimbursement Company lease car program Paid time off Competencies Act as an owner Be a pioneer Excite customer Grow personally Handle complexity Live integrity & compliance Live passion Perform together Think ahead Volkswagen Group of America 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. This role description is a guideline and does not create contractual rights between the Company and any of its applicants. The Company does not enter into any type of employment contract, implied or written, with its applicants regarding job security. This Organization participates in E-Verify. We maintain a drug free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.