Principal Engineer, Audio Architecture

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 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 and 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

• OEM Engineering Teams

• Lead architecture trade-off analysis balancing:

• Product performance

• Cost

• Reusability

• Maintainability

• Certification needs

• 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.

What You Need To Be Successful

• 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 and 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.
• Experience with Functional Safety (ISO 26262).
• Experience with Automotive Cybersecurity (ISO/SAE 21434).
• 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.

What We Offer

• 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.

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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.

About HARMAN: Where Innovation Unleashes Next-Level Technology 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.

If you’re ready to innovate and do work that makes a lasting impact, join our talent community today!

Important Notice: Recruitment Scams 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: [email protected].

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)