Senior Embedded Software Engineer - Audio

Ford • Dearborn, MI

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position serves as the Senior Embedded Software Engineer for Audio Management frameworks within Ford’s next-generation infotainment products. You will define the technical roadmap, architect complex system solutions, and provide technical leadership across the entire software life cycle. You will guide distributed software teams to deliver robust, scalable, and high-performance audio architectures.
Architect and oversee the implementation of the Android platform audio domain, defining strategies for custom AOSP framework modifications and Ford-specific SDK platforms.
Spearhead the design and architectural direction of Android Audio HAL (HIDL/AIDL) and Linux Kernel audio drivers (ALSA/ASoC), targeting high-performance System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms.
Place emphasis on end-to-end audio quality improvements working with partner teams, test and automation stakeholders.
Define the virtualization strategy for audio solutions within Hypervisor-based architectures, ensuring deterministic behavior and seamless IPC between Android and real-time operating systems (QNX/Automotive Linux).
Provide technical mentorship and code governance to development teams, ensuring adherence to design patterns and quality standards.
Collaborate with domain architects and key technology partners to define the long-term vision for the Ford Infotainment System audio platform.
Lead complex root cause analysis for critical software defects and system stability issues.
Architect solutions for optimizing boot-up performance, system responsiveness, and resource management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related.
• Five or more years of experience in software architecture and development on Android AOSP using C++/Java/Kotlin etc. for automotive, embedded, mobile, or consumer electronic platforms.
• Three or more years of specialized experience in Android Audio HAL development, Audio Policy, and Linux Kernel driver integration (ALSA/ASoC).
• Two or more years of experience with in-vehicle signaling mechanisms such as CAN/Ethernet etc.
• Must be willing to work on a hybrid schedule requiring in-office presence for 4+ days per week.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Computer Science.
• Advanced proficiency in C++/Java/Kotlin, GNU toolchain, and Linux: Embedded Android.
• Experience architecting media applications and audio focus management on Android.
• Proven experience designing software within Hypervisor-based virtualization architectures and QNX/Automotive Linux or equivalent environments.
• Expertise across the entire Android OS stack (HAL, VHAL to Android System Applications and Services) and Android Framework layers.
• Exposure to audio transport methods and standards (e.g., A2B, EAVB).
• Exposure to AI prompt engineering to enhance software development workflows and productivity.
• Deep expertise in optimizing audio for Qualcomm Automotive SoCs (Snapdragon), including Hexagon DSP architecture and audio subsystem integration.
• Proven track record of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) flow integration using frameworks such as AudioWeaver.
• Experience leading multi-site software project teams.

Responsibilities

• Define the technical roadmap, architect complex system solutions, and provide technical leadership across the entire software life cycle.
• Guide distributed software teams to deliver robust, scalable, and high-performance audio architectures.
• Architect and oversee the implementation of the Android platform audio domain, defining strategies for custom AOSP framework modifications and Ford-specific SDK platforms.
• Spearhead the design and architectural direction of Android Audio HAL (HIDL/AIDL) and Linux Kernel audio drivers (ALSA/ASoC), targeting high-performance System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms.
• Place emphasis on end-to-end audio quality improvements working with partner teams, test and automation stakeholders.
• Define the virtualization strategy for audio solutions within Hypervisor-based architectures, ensuring deterministic behavior and seamless IPC between Android and real-time operating systems (QNX/Automotive Linux).
• Provide technical mentorship and code governance to development teams, ensuring adherence to design patterns and quality standards.
• Collaborate with domain architects and key technology partners to define the long-term vision for the Ford Infotainment System audio platform.
• Lead complex root cause analysis for critical software defects and system stability issues.
• Architect solutions for optimizing boot-up performance, system responsiveness, and resource management.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees