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Automotive Embedded Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a senior embedded systems engineer, you will bring automotive-grade embedded engineering discipline to a greenfield product environment, owning firmware from architecture through production ...

Sr. Embedded Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$150K - $220K/yr

About the role As a senior embedded systems engineer, you will bring automotive-grade embedded engineering discipline to a greenfield product environment, owning firmware from architecture through ...

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Automotive Embedded Architect information

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$132K

$173.5K

How much do automotive embedded architect jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive embedded architect in the United States is $171,593.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $173,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an automotive embedded architect do?

An Automotive Embedded Architect designs and oversees the development of embedded systems used in vehicles, such as control units for safety, infotainment, and engine management. They create the system architecture, select appropriate hardware and software platforms, and ensure integration with other vehicle components. Their role involves collaborating with engineers, validating system security, performance, and compliance with automotive standards. They play a key part in advancing vehicle technologies, including electric and autonomous vehicles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive embedded architect?

To thrive as an Automotive Embedded Architect, you need deep expertise in embedded systems design, automotive software development, and a solid background in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with AUTOSAR, CAN/LIN/FlexRay protocols, model-based design tools like MATLAB/Simulink, and relevant certifications (e.g., ISO 26262 Functional Safety) is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project leadership skills set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the reliability, safety, and innovation of automotive electronic systems in a rapidly evolving industry.

How does an automotive embedded architect typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a vehicle development project?

As an Automotive Embedded Architect, you will regularly work with multidisciplinary teams including hardware engineers, software developers, system integrators, and quality assurance specialists. Collaboration often involves defining system requirements, aligning software and hardware interfaces, and ensuring safety and regulatory standards are met. You may participate in design reviews, coordinate integration testing, and provide technical leadership to resolve architectural challenges. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both system-level and domain-specific requirements are key to success in this collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Automotive Embedded Architect vs Automotive Software Engineer?

AspectAutomotive Embedded ArchitectAutomotive Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science; certifications in embedded systemsBachelor's or Master's in Software Engineering, Computer Science; certifications in embedded or automotive software
Work EnvironmentDesigning system architecture in automotive embedded systems, collaborating with hardware teamsDeveloping and testing software code for automotive systems, often in a software development team
Industry UsageUsed by automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers for system-level designUsed across automotive companies for software development and implementation

The Automotive Embedded Architect focuses on designing the overall system architecture of automotive embedded systems, ensuring integration and functionality. In contrast, the Automotive Software Engineer primarily develops and tests software components within those systems. Both roles require embedded systems knowledge but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Embedded Architect jobs?

For Automotive Embedded Architect jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Automotive Embedded Architect job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $171,593 per year, or $82.5 per hour.

Lead Automotive Embedded Software Engineer

Detroit, MI • On-site

ALTEN Technology USA
Engineering Professional Services • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Overview : 

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field. Minimum 10+ years of experience in automotive embedded software development environments. 
  • This position is focused on the design, development, integration, testing, and release of embedded software supporting automotive seating, comfort, actuator, motor, and interior system applications. 
  • The engineer will lead software development activities from requirements analysis and software architecture through coding, integration, validation, and production launch. This is a hands-on embedded software development position requiring deep technical involvement throughout the full software development lifecycle. 
  • The role will work closely with Systems, Hardware, Mechanical, Validation, Manufacturing, and Customer teams to deliver high-quality automotive embedded software solutions. 
  • This position requires strong technical ownership, excellent communication skills, deep Embedded C expertise, and the ability to support complex automotive product development programs. 
  • Full-time onsite presence is required. 

Key Responsibilities :

Requirements Analysis & Software Architecture 

  • Analyze customer and system requirements using ALM tools such as Codebeamer 
  • Develop software architecture, detailed design documentation, and test strategies 
  • Maintain software requirements traceability throughout development 
  • Participate in architecture reviews and technical design discussions 

Embedded Software Development 

  • Develop automotive embedded software using Embedded C 
  • Design and implement low-level drivers, middleware, and application software 
  • Develop robust, maintainable, and optimized software solutions 
  • Support code optimization for performance, memory utilization, and power efficiency 
  • Follow automotive software development standards and coding guidelines 

Integration, Testing & Validation 

  • Support software build and release activities 
  • Develop and execute unit, integration, and qualification testing 
  • Support debugging, troubleshooting, and root cause investigations 
  • Ensure software quality and compliance throughout development 

Automotive Product Development & Launch Support 

  • Support programs from concept through production launch 
  • Participate in customer reviews and program milestone activities 
  • Support OEM and Tier 1 development requirements 
  • Ensure software solutions meet performance, quality, timing, and reliability objectives 

Technical Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration 

  • Provide technical leadership and guidance to software team members 
  • Collaborate closely with Hardware, Systems, Validation, Mechanical, Manufacturing, and Quality teams 
  • Clearly communicate technical concepts, risks, and development status 
  • Support customer-facing technical discussions when required 

Design for Excellence (DFX) 

  • Support DFM, DFA, DFC, DFT, and DFR objectives during software development 
  • Ensure software solutions contribute to overall product quality and reliability 

Profile:  

  • Hands-on Embedded Software Engineer with deep automotive development experience 
  • Strong ownership mindset and ability to independently drive software development activities 
  • Clear and effective communicator capable of engaging with customers and cross-functional teams 
  • Strong debugging and troubleshooting capabilities 
  • Comfortable working throughout the complete software lifecycle from requirements through release 
  • Customer-focused engineer who thrives in collaborative development environments 
  • Able to provide technical leadership while remaining actively involved in development activities 

Must Have:  

  • 10+ years of automotive embedded software development experience 
  • Strong Embedded C programming experience (mandatory) 
  • Experience developing low-level drivers, middleware, and application layer software 
  • Experience creating software architecture and detailed software design documentation 
  • Experience with software build, release, and configuration management processes 
  • Experience with unit testing, integration testing, and qualification testing 
  • Experience with CAN and LIN communication protocols 
  • Experience supporting automotive OEM or Tier 1 development programs 
  • Experience with requirements management and traceability 
  • Strong communication, presentation, and technical leadership skills 
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or related field  

Good to Have: 

  • Codebeamer experience 
  • DOORS or Polarion experience 
  • IAR Embedded Workbench experience 
  • RTOS experience 
  • APQP knowledge 
  • ISO 26262 Functional Safety experience 
  • ASPICE knowledge 
  • Seating systems experience 
  • Interior electronics experience 
  • Mechatronic systems experience 
  • Actuator or motor control systems experience 
  • Tier 1 automotive supplier experience