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How much do software defined vehicle jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for software defined vehicle in the United States is $54.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.08 and $62.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) Engineer, you need strong software engineering skills, a background in automotive systems, and often a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with automotive standards (such as AUTOSAR), embedded systems, programming languages like C++ or Python, and experience with automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN, LIN, Ethernet) are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, adaptability, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this rapidly evolving, cross-functional environment. These competencies ensure the development of innovative, reliable vehicle software solutions that meet safety and industry standards.

What are Software Defined Vehicles?

Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs) are vehicles whose functionality and features are primarily controlled and enhanced by software, rather than only hardware components. This approach allows for ongoing updates, improved connectivity, and the integration of advanced technologies like autonomous driving, infotainment, and safety systems. SDVs enable manufacturers to deliver new features and improvements over the air, much like smartphones, making vehicles more adaptable and future-proof. As a result, SDVs are transforming the automotive industry by shifting focus to software innovation and digital experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working on Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) projects?

Professionals in Software Defined Vehicle roles often encounter challenges related to integrating complex software with diverse hardware platforms, ensuring robust cybersecurity, and maintaining compliance with automotive safety standards. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams—such as embedded systems engineers, software developers, and hardware designers—is essential but can be demanding due to differing priorities and workflows. Additionally, keeping pace with rapid technological advancements and evolving customer expectations requires continuous learning and adaptability.
Infographic showing various Software Defined Vehicle job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,906 per year, or $54.8 per hour.
Sr. Software Architect - Automotive Systems

Sr. Software Architect - Automotive Systems

Karma Automotive

Irvine, CA

$138K - $187K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job 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 26262functional safety concepts andISO 21434 cybersecurity principles.
  • Mentor cross-functional engineering teams on architecture best practices,design patterns, andcode 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) andlow-level embedded development (C/C++, AUTOSAR, RTOS, bootloaders, CAN/Ethernet).
  • Strong understanding of distributed systems,data communication protocols, andservice discovery.
  • Hands-on experience designing or validating safety-critical systems underISO 26262 (ASIL-B or higher).
  • Working knowledge of ISO 21434 or equivalent cybersecurity frameworks for connected vehicles.
  • Experience with DevOps,container orchestration, andsecure 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.
  • Understandingof vehicle diagnostics (UDS/DoIP), OTA update frameworks, and data logging/telemetry systems.
  • Knowledge ofAUTOSAR Adaptive, ASIL decomposition strategies, and cybersecurity threat modeling.
  • Experience withSimulink, 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 EnvironmentThe 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.

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