Principal Hardware Engineer, Validation

Cariad, Inc.; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 194,670 - 282,735; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Vacation and paid holidays

Unique vehicle lease program

Job summary

An automotive software development company in Mountain View, California, seeks a seasoned professional with over 12 years of experience in design verification and hardware testing. This role involves leading testing methodologies, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in a related field and possess strong analytical and communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary range of $194,670 - $282,735 along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in design verification and hardware testing.
• Expertise in developing and executing test plans.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Ensure comprehensive test coverage aligning with project objectives.
• Lead the design verification process for hardware platform development.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Excellent communication skills

Integration skills

Influencing skills

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Scripting languages

Automation frameworks

Job description

Role Summary

We are CARIAD, an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We’re looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we’ll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it.

Role Responsibilities

Testing, Validation, and Compliance

• Ensure comprehensive test coverage that aligns with project objectives.
• Develop and implement test procedures, methodologies, and automation frameworks to enhance testing efficiency and comply with industry standards.
• Ensure adherence to automotive standards such as ISO 16750 and IATF 16949, and environmental standards like MIL-STD-810, IEC 60068, and ISO 7637.
• Lead Enhanced Stress Screening (ESS), HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Testing), and other reliability testing to identify potential early‑life failures.
• Analyze test results, lead root cause investigations, identify anomalies, and collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues.
• Drive continuous improvement in testing methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Define comprehensive test strategies tailored to project objectives, considering performance, reliability, environmental factors (vibration, temperature, humidity), safety, and compliance.
• Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare detailed test reports and documentation, ensuring traceability and alignment with project objectives. Work with a requirement management system to track and validate test coverage against specified requirements.

Product Development

• Lead the design verification process for hardware platform development projects.
• Define test strategies, create test plans, and execute test cases.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in design verification and hardware testing for product development.
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams, including hardware engineers, software developers, and quality assurance specialists.
• Act as a subject matter expert in design verification and hardware testing, providing guidance and support across the product development lifecycle.
• Foster a collaborative working environment by engaging with teams to address challenges and resolve issues.
• Demonstrate proven experience in leading root cause analysis and investigations, identifying and resolving complex design and hardware issues.
• Collaborate with Brand representatives, external labs, and JDM partners to define and execute testing strategies.

General Skills

• Analytical and conceptual thinking.
• Excellent communication skills – interpersonal, presentation, and written.
• Experience with integration – bringing together people, processes, and systems.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills.
• Strategic and visionary mindset.
• Proven technical leadership skills.

Required Skills

• Proven experience in design verification and hardware testing.
• Expertise in developing and executing test plans, creating test cases, and analyzing test results.
• Proficiency in scripting and automation languages with familiarity in test automation frameworks.
• Experienced in collaborating with cross‑functional teams, including software engineering, hardware engineering, and mechanical engineering teams.
• Expertise in identifying and resolving hardware product design flaws.
• Experience across multiple engineering validation stages and phases.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.
• Proven experience in the design process within the automotive industry.

Years of Relevant Experience

• 12+ years of relevant experience in design verification and validation in a hardware development environment

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics or related technical field

Compensation

Salary range is dependent on factors such as geographical differentials, credentials or certifications, industry‑based experience, qualification and training. In the city of Mountain View, California, the salary range for this position is $194,670 - $282,735.

Benefits

CARIAD, Inc. provides performance‑based merits and annual bonus along with a competitive benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match and defined contribution plan, short and long‑term disability, basic life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment plans, maternity and non‑primary caregiver leave, adoption assistance, employee referral program and vacation and paid holidays. We also offer a unique vehicle lease program that covers registration and insurance fees.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CARIAD 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, nationalorigin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

Export Control and Compliance

Employment with CARIAD Inc. is subject to export control and sanctions compliance. Some positions may involve access to technology and/or software source code subject to U.S. legal restrictions on release to certain foreign persons based on citizenship or permanent residence. To ensure compliance, applicants will be required to provide information for screening. Employment may be contingent on the outcome, including verification of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, or confirmation that a license, exemption, or exception applies. CARIAD retains the discretion to decline to obtain a required license in any case. By applying, you acknowledge and agree to participate in this process.