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Automotive Software Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Software Architect - Systems ABOUT WIND RIVER Wind River is a global leader in delivering software ... Wind River helps customers across automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, and ...

Software Architect - Systems ABOUT WIND RIVER Wind River is a global leader in delivering software ... Wind River helps customers across automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, and ...

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Automotive Software Architect information

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How much do automotive software architect jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive software architect in the United States is $174,017.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,500.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an automotive software architect do?

An Automotive Software Architect is responsible for designing the overall structure and framework of software systems used in vehicles. They work closely with engineering teams to ensure software meets safety, reliability, and performance standards required in the automotive industry. Their role includes selecting appropriate technologies, defining software components, and ensuring integration with hardware systems. They also play a key role in adhering to industry regulations and facilitating communication between stakeholders throughout the development process.

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

To thrive as an Automotive Software Architect, you need a strong background in software engineering, embedded systems, automotive communication protocols, and typically a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like AUTOSAR, MATLAB/Simulink, CAN, and proficiency in languages such as C/C++ are commonly required, along with relevant certifications like ISO 26262 for functional safety. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills set you apart, enabling effective coordination between cross-functional teams and stakeholders. These skills and qualifications ensure robust, safe, and innovative automotive software solutions that meet industry standards and customer needs.

How do automotive software architects typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the development process?

Automotive Software Architects work closely with hardware engineers, systems engineers, and embedded software developers to ensure that the software architecture aligns with overall vehicle requirements. They participate in regular design reviews, facilitate technical discussions, and translate high-level system requirements into detailed software solutions. Effective collaboration is essential, as these architects must coordinate with quality assurance, cybersecurity experts, and project managers to meet safety standards and project deadlines. Strong communication skills and the ability to bridge technical gaps between disciplines are crucial for success in this role.

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

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

Infographic showing various Automotive Software Architect job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $174,017 per year, or $83.7 per hour.

Lead Automotive Embedded Software Engineer

Detroit, MI

ALTEN Technology USA
Engineering Professional Services • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 23 hours 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 experienceÂ