[Hiring] Principal Engineer, Audio Architecture @HARMAN International

Role Description

The Software System Architect is accountable for defining, governing, and driving complete software architecture solutions across Intelligent Cockpit and Central Compute products. The Architect serves as the technical authority across platform software, middleware, audio systems, operating systems, virtualization technologies, connectivity frameworks, and application integration. This position is responsible for translating OEM requirements into scalable and reusable software platform architectures while ensuring alignment with performance, safety, cybersecurity, cost, and product roadmap objectives.

What You Will Do

• Software Architecture Leadership
  • Own end-to-end software architecture for Cockpit and Central Compute products.
  • Define platform software architecture, system decomposition, interface architecture, middleware frameworks, and software component allocation.
  • Lead architecture reviews throughout concept, RFQ, development, DV, PV and SOP phases.
  • Establish scalable software platform strategies supporting multiple OEM programs and product generations.
  • Drive platform reuse and technology roadmap alignment.
  • Collaborate closely with SoC Supplier engineering teams to resolve platform limitations and optimize system performance.
  • Guide BSP, middleware, framework, and application integration strategies.
• Audio System Architecture
  • Define complete automotive audio architecture on SoC Supplier (Qualcomm and others) platforms.
  • Lead architecture design for DSP processing / Amplifier integration / Audio signal routing / Audio virtualization, Voice processing solution evaluation, etc.
  • Drive architecture optimization targeting latency, performance, memory footprint, and user experience.
  • Support premium branded audio programs.
• Cross Functional Technical Leadership
  • Collaborate with Product Management, Hardware Architects, System Architects, Software Development Teams, Functional Safety Teams, Cybersecurity Teams, and OEM Engineering Teams.
  • Lead architecture trade-off analysis balancing product performance, cost, reusability, maintainability, certification needs, and time-to-market.
• Technical Governance
  • Establish software architecture guidelines, design rules, reusable assets, and best practices.
  • Review software supplier architecture deliverables.
  • Support technical due diligence and software supplier evaluations.
  • Mentor development teams and junior architects.

Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in embedded software development experience / 5+ years of software architecture leadership experience in automotive products.
• Proven delivery experience supporting OEM production programs.
• Solid hands-on experience with Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms Gen4/4.5/5, especially automotive solution expertise in Audio framework, Audio routing, DSP processing chains, Voice architecture, Acoustic tuning concepts, multi-channel audio systems, etc.
• Strong Operating System Expertise in Android Automotive, Android Framework, QNX and Linux.
• Automotive Knowledge in Cockpit Domain Controllers, Central Compute Controller, Infotainment Systems, Connectivity Systems, Vehicle Networks/Ethernet/CAN/LIN/SOME/IP and AVB/TSN.
• Experience in cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Procurement, Finance, Quality, and Program Management teams.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

Bonus Points if You Have

• Experience with automotive OEM, Tier-1, or software platform suppliers.
• Knowledge of Functional Safety (ISO 26262) and Automotive Cybersecurity (ISO/SAE 21434).
• Experience with AI Assistant platforms and LLM integration.
• Experience with Automotive Ethernet architecture.
• Familiarity with ASPICE processes.

What Makes You Eligible

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly matrixed global organization.
• Strong customer-focused mindset with the ability to balance technical, commercial, and business objectives.
• Demonstrated capability to manage complex supplier relationships and drive sustainable business outcomes.
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Passion for building high-performing supplier partnerships and enabling software innovation at scale.

Benefits

• Flexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location.
• Access to employee discounts on world-class products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, and more).
• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University.
• Competitive wellness benefits.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.