Principal Software Engineer, Car Audio Software Project Engineering

HARMAN; Novi (MI); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

HARMAN University

Wellness benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Fitness center access

Job summary

HARMAN is seeking a Principal Engineer to provide technical and applications support for automotive audio and noise management projects at the Novi, MI office. You will be a subject matter expert for customers and internal teams, driving end-to-end problem solving and system-level integration.

Requirements include 8+ years in automotive electronics, a BSEE/BSCE, strong C/C++ skills, DSP and audio framework experience, and familiarity with audio interfaces and embedded software development.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in automotive electronic product development.
• BSEE/BSCE in software, electrical engineering or related field.
• Experience with Qualcomm Hexagon DSP.
• Experience with Audio Weaver Audio Framework.
• Strong background in Digital Signal Processing and audio systems.
• Proven track record across multiple product cycles with innovative solutions.
• Experience with audio interfaces and embedded SW development.
• Familiar with ASPICE traceability requirements.
• Experience with vehicle networking (CAN, MOST) and diagnostics (UDS, KWP2000).

Responsibilities

• Act as the first technical contact for embedded system issues at the customer site, providing timely support.
• Perform in-depth debugging across software and hardware boundaries with system-level thinking.
• Participate in and support audio system testing at customer or third-party sites.
• Drive end-to-end issue resolution by coordinating with internal teams and escalating when needed.
• Translate customer requirements into clear, actionable inputs for engineering teams.
• Communicate internal architecture solutions to customers clearly and succinctly.
• Provide tuning and technical support within the local time zone.
• Build long-term technical relationships with customers and cross-functional teams.

Skills

C/C++

Hexagon DSP

Audio Weaver

DSP

Audio systems

Embedded SW

Audio interfaces

CAN/MOST

Education

BSEE/BSCE

Tools

Oscilloscope

Debuggers

Signal generators

Emulators

Job description

Introduction: A Career at HARMAN Automotive

We’re a global, multi-disciplinary team that’s putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. At HARMAN Automotive, we give you the keys to fast-track your career.

Engineer audio systems and integrated technology platforms that augment the driving experience

Combine ingenuity, in-depth research, and a spirit of collaboration with design and engineering excellence

Advance in-vehicle infotainment, safety, efficiency, and enjoyment

About the Role

The Principal Engineer provides technical and applications support of audio and noise management projects to automotive OEM customers. The position will be a subject matter expert towards the customer and internal Software and Requirement engineering. This role will report to the Sr. Director, Software Project Engineering, Car Audio.

Your Team

This position has no direct reports. The role works closely with other team members, including Solution Management, Software Program Managers, Software Project Leads, Acoustic Engineers, and Customer Program Managers to drive successful project delivery to meet timing, cost, and quality.

What You Will Do

• Act as the first responder and primary technical contact for embedded system issues identified during development at the customer’s location, providing timely and hands‑on support for complex system-level and integration challenges
• Perform in-depth debugging and root cause analysis across software and hardware boundaries, leveraging strong C/C++ expertise and system-level understanding
• Participate in and support audio system testing activities, including bench and vehicle-level verification at customer or third-party sites
• Drive end-to-end issue resolution by working closely with internal development teams, clearly defining problem statements, and leading escalations to ensure timely closure
• Participate in meetings within the local time zone, drive technical discussions with customers on requirements and specifications, and translate them into clear and actionable inputs for internal engineering teams
• Communicate internal architecture solutions to customers in a clear, structured, and easily understandable manner
• Provide tuning support to ASE and technical support to CPM within the local time zone, ensuring timely alignment and effective collaboration
• Partner with Engineering, Product, and Customer Group teams to build strong, long-term technical relationships with customers, while maintaining awareness of customer needs and the competitive landscape in audio and embedded systems

What You Need To Be Successful

• 8+ years’ experience in automotive electronic product development engineering (Audio industry preferred).
• BSEE/BSCE in software, electrical engineering or related field
• Experience with Qualcomm Hexagon DSP
• Experience with Audio Weaver Audio Framework
• Solid background with Digital Signal Processing, signal flow design, digital filtering etc.,
• Proven consistent success in delivering over many product cycles, developing innovative/disruptive solutions.
• Strong knowledge of audio/acoustic systems
• Passion for Audio quality and performance
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ language
• Problem solving, organizational and analytical skills
• Experience in audio related embedded SW development: audio driver (I2S/TDM), floating-point and fixed-point processing, audio framework, MIPS/MCPS optimization
• Experience developing and debugging software in a real-time, embedded, multiprocessor, multi-interface environment
• Experience with audio interfaces: TDM/I2S/A2B
• Familiar with HW instruments like oscilloscope, AP, signal generators etc., and embedded debug tool like emulators, debuggers etc.
• Familiarity with ASPICE traceability requirements
• Experienced working with vehicle networking (CAN, MOST, etc) and diagnostics (UDS, KWP2000)

What Makes You Eligible

• Be willing to travel up to 10% domestic and international
• Be willing to work in the Novi, MI office (hybrid format)
• Successfully complete a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment

What We Offer

• Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman and Samsung products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.)
• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University
• Competitive wellness benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Access to HARMAN Campus Fitness Center and Cafeteria
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.

Pay Transparency

$ 125,250 - $ 183,700

Dependent on the position offered, other forms of compensation are also available, such as bonuses or commission.

Pay is based on a wide range of factors, including, without limitation, skill set, experience, training, location, and business need. While the above range is a reasonable estimate of the wage range for this position, please note the disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographical differential associated with the location where the position may be filled.

Benefits

HARMAN is interested in the health and wellbeing of you and your family and offers a range of benefits designed to support your needs for holistic wellbeing. Benefits and perks may vary depending on the nature of your employment with HARMAN, and may include paid vacation and holidays, paid sick leave, volunteer leave, and paid bonding and caregiver leave. Employees may also be eligible to participate in comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, fertility support and adoption assistance, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan with employer match, short and long term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

About HARMAN

Ever since the 1920s, we’ve been amplifying the sense of sound. Today, that legacy endures, with integrated technology platforms that make the world smarter, safer, and more connected.

Across automotive, lifestyle, and digital transformation solutions, we create innovative technologies that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Our renowned automotive and lifestyle solutions can be found everywhere, from the music we play in our cars and homes to venues that feature today’s most sought‑after performers, while our digital transformation solutions serve humanity by addressing the world’s ever‑evolving needs and demands. Marketing our award‑winning portfolio under 16 iconic brands, such as JBL, Mark Levinson, and Revel, we set ourselves apart by exceeding the highest engineering and design standards for our customers, our partners and each other.

You Belong Here

HARMAN is committed to making every employee feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. No matter what role you play, we encourage you to share your ideas, voice your distinct perspective, and bring your whole self with you – all within a support‑minded culture that celebrates what makes each of us unique. We also recognize that learning is a lifelong pursuit and want you to flourish. We proudly offer added opportunities for training, development, and continuing education, further empowering you to live the career you want.

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. HARMAN strives to hire the best qualified candidates and is committed to building a workforce representative of the diverse marketplaces and communities of our global colleagues and customers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. HARMAN attracts, hires, and develops employees based on merit, qualifications and job‑related performance.( www.harman.com )

HARMAN is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail] . Requests will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis in accordance with applicable law.

Please be aware that HARMAN recruiters will always communicate with you from an '@harman.com', ‘@careers.harman.com’ or ‘@harmanglobal.avature.net’ email address. We will never ask for payments, banking, credit card, personal financial information or access to your LinkedIn/email account during the screening, interview, or recruitment process. If you are asked for such information or receive communication from an email address not ending in one of the above email domains about a job with HARMAN, please cease communication immediately and report the incident to us through: [e-mail].