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Automotive Embedded Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We're seeking a skilled Embedded Firmware Architect who will provide technical leadership in the design and development of scalable automotive firmware solutions. You are hands-on, and love ...

Embedded Firmware Architect

Azusa, CA · On-site

$155K - $170K/yr

We're seeking a skilled Embedded Firmware Architect who will provide technical leadership in the design and development of scalable automotive firmware solutions. You are hands-on, and love ...

Embedded Firmware Architect

Azusa, CA · On-site

$155K - $170K/yr

We're seeking a skilled Embedded Firmware Architect who will provide technical leadership in the design and development of scalable automotive firmware solutions. You are hands-on, and love ...

SDV Platform Architect We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every ... automotive embedded systems, generating an RTE * 5 years Embedded C experience * 1+ year Python ...

SDV Platform Architect

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$129K - $244K/yr

... automotive embedded systems, generating an RTE * 5 years Embedded C experience * 1+ year Python ... Architect platform hardware agnostic solution that works for uC and uP modules working with OS ...

SDV Platform Architect

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$129K - $244K/yr

... automotive embedded systems, generating an RTE * 5 years Embedded C experience * 1+ year Python ... Architect platform hardware agnostic solution that works for uC and uP modules working with OS ...

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Automotive Embedded Architect information

See salary details

$132K

$173.5K

How much do automotive embedded architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automotive Embedded Architect, and why are they important?

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 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 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.

Infographic showing various Automotive Embedded Architect job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $171,593 per year, or $82.5 per hour.
Sr. Software Architect - Automotive Systems

Sr. Software Architect - Automotive Systems

Karma Automotive, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

$138K - $187K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description
Sr. Software Architect - Automotive Systems
We are seeking an experienced Sr. Software Architect to join our automotive engineering organization.The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in both cloud-based microservices architectures and embedded automotive systems with a strong understanding of functional safety (ISO 26262) and cybersecurity (ISO 21434) standards. This role bridges vehicle-side embedded control systems with cloud and edge computing services, helping define and implement next-generation Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) architectures.
The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with experience in software development environments, particularly within the automotive sector, and has a solid understanding of A-SPICE and Agile methodologies. This role will allow this individual to be a part of an innovative team shaping the next generation of Software-Defined Vehicles, work across the full-vehicle software stack from embedded ECUs to cloud infrastructure and collaborate with industry-leading experts in automotive architecture, AI/ML, and cloud systems.
Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to):
  • Define and evolve the end-to-end software architecture across vehicle and cloud platforms, covering edge devices, embedded ECUs, zone controllers, and cloud services.
  • Design and guide implementation of microservice-based architectures for data analytics, OTA (Over-the-Air) updates, diagnostics, and connected vehicle features.
  • Collaborate with hardware, systems, and software teams to ensure scalable, modular, and safe system integration.
  • Lead architecture reviews and define software interfaces, service APIs, and communication protocols (e.g., SOME/IP, DDS, MQTT, REST/gRPC).
  • Ensure architectural alignment with ISO 26262 functional safety concepts and ISO 21434 cybersecurity principles.
  • Mentor cross-functional engineering teams on architecture best practices, design patterns, and code quality standards.
  • Evaluate and integrate third-party technologies, frameworks, and toolchains to improve platform capabilities.
  • Support model-based system design, safety analysis, and traceability of requirements to implementation.
  • Other duties, as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in software architecture or systems engineering within automotive or embedded domains.
  • Proven experience in both cloud-native software development (microservices, containers, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, RESTful APIs) and low-level embedded development (C/C++, AUTOSAR, RTOS, bootloaders, CAN/Ethernet).
  • Strong understanding of distributed systems, data communication protocols, and service discovery.
  • Hands-on experience designing or validating safety-critical systems under ISO 26262 (ASIL-B or higher).
  • Working knowledge of ISO 21434 or equivalent cybersecurity frameworks for connected vehicles.
  • Experience with DevOps, container orchestration, and secure software deployment pipelines.
  • Proficiency in multiple programming languages (e.g., C, C++, Python, Java, Rust, or Go).

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with zonal architecture, service-oriented automotive platforms, or vehicle-cloud synchronization
  • Familiarity with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud automotive solutions.
  • Understanding of vehicle diagnostics (UDS/DoIP), OTA update frameworks, and data logging/telemetry systems.
  • Knowledge of AUTOSAR Adaptive, ASIL decomposition strategies, and cybersecurity threat modeling.
  • Experience with Simulink, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MSBE), or system simulation environments.
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills for cross-domain collaboration.

Physical Requirements:
Note: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee should have the:
  • Ability to frequently use or operate a computer, mouse, and/or other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
  • Ability to frequently use hand(s) for repetitive actions (grasping and fine manipulation).
  • Ability to frequently walk or move - to regularly move about inside the office.
  • Ability to frequently see or detect, identify, recognize, or assess surroundings while in the office.
  • Ability to occasionally bend, kneel, crouch, turn, and stoop.
  • Ability to frequently sit or be stationary for extended continuous periods of time.
  • Ability to stand for occasional periods of time.
  • Ability to occasionally lift and/or push/pull up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing their job.
Total Rewards (Benefits, Perks & Compensation)
Benefits & Perks:
In addition to our competitive compensation, you will also be eligible for the following at Karma:
  • Medical Plan choices include HMO, PPO & HDHP (High-Deductible Health Plan)
  • Dental & Vision Plans
  • Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Account
  • Employee Health & Well-Being Program Events
  • Company Paid Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
  • 401(k) with Employer Match
  • Relocation Assistance (if applicable)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Sick Time, Vacation time and Personal Floaters
  • Paid Holidays including Company's Annual Year End Shutdown
  • Karma Cares Program (Monthly lunch & breakfast)
  • Work life Balance (Flexible and Hybrid Work Schedule)
  • Employee Driving Program
  • Pre-taxed Commuter Benefits & much more!

Compensation:
$150,000 - 180,000 /annual salary. Compensation will vary DOE.
At Karma, our base pay is one part of our total rewards package.
Compensation offered may vary on multiple factors, including market location, education, skills and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position being offered.
Karma Automotive, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender identity and expression, color, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), national origin/ancestry, religion, military/veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, intersectionality or any other characteristic and group protected by applicable law. Karma Automotive, Inc complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a physical or mental disability. Valid driver's license may be required based on essential duties.