Senior Technical Fellow - Edge Optimization Architecture

Stellantis•Auburn Hills, MI

About The Position

As a Senior Technical Fellow for Edge Optimization Architecture, you will define and drive the transformation from traditional distributed ECU architectures to a software-defined, centralized compute model with optimized edge nodes (Zero-Edge / Zonal Architecture). You will shape the end-to-end architectural strategy for edge systems, ensuring optimal balance between centralized HPC compute and distributed edge functions, maximizing performance, scalability, cost efficiency, and reuse across vehicle programs. This role requires deep expertise in E/E architecture, embedded software, networking, and system optimization, combined with strong leadership to influence enterprise-wide transformation and guide engineering teams through next-generation architecture adoption.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
15+ years in automotive software and system development
10+ years in E/E architecture, Software architecture, or System-level design and optimization
Proven experience in SDV transformation, HPC-based architectures, or zonal architectures
Expert knowledge of Automotive software standards (AUTOSAR Classic & Adaptive)
Expert knowledge of Embedded systems (C/C++, RTOS, POSIX systems)
Strong expertise in Vehicle networks (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, TSN)
Strong expertise in Distributed and centralized compute architectures
Strong expertise in Middleware and service-oriented communication
Strong understanding of Memory management, multi-core systems, and real-time constraints
Strong understanding of Virtualization and abstraction layers
Strong understanding of Functional safety (ISO 26262) and system robustness
Demonstrated ability to lead enterprise-level architecture transformations
Demonstrated ability to influence senior leadership and cross-functional teams
Strong communication and executive presentation skills
Exceptional ability to solve complex cross-domain system challenges
Exceptional ability to navigate trade-offs under constraints (cost, safety, performance)
Proven track record of driving architectural innovation
Proven track record of influencing industry direction in SDV / E/E evolution

Nice To Haves

PhD preferred (Systems Architecture, Distributed Systems, or Automotive E/E)

Responsibilities

Define and drive the Edge Optimization Architecture vision, including Zonal architecture (I/O aggregators, domain/zonal ECUs), Centralized compute (HPC / Brain platforms), and Function allocation across edge and central layers.
Establish architectural principles for minimizing edge complexity, maximizing software centralization and reuse, and enabling scalable software-defined vehicle platforms.
Lead system-level optimization strategies across CPU, memory, network bandwidth, and latency, and function placement (edge vs HPC).
Define and enforce function allocation rules and trade-offs, considering safety-critical vs centralized execution and latency-sensitive vs cloud/offload capable workloads.
Drive resource budgeting and KPI-based architecture validation.
Lead innovation in Zero-Edge / reduced ECU architectures, Ethernet-based vehicle networking, Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA) and middleware, and AI-driven system optimization and resource prediction.
Evaluate and guide adoption of emerging technologies such as HPC platforms, virtualization, containerization, and edge abstraction layers and adaptive middleware.
Provide deep expertise in E/E system architecture (vehicle-level), embedded software architecture (AUTOSAR Classic/Adaptive, POSIX, RTOS), high-speed automotive networking (CAN, LIN, Ethernet), and distributed vs centralized compute models.
Lead technical decisions on zonal controller design, sensor/actuator integration models, and data flow and service communication patterns.
Collaborate across domains such as ADAS, Body, Infotainment, Connectivity, and Powertrain.
Drive consistent architecture across hardware, system, and software organizations.
Ensure alignment between functional architecture, network architecture, and software platform strategy.
Define and govern architecture KPIs, including CPU load, memory footprint, network utilization, latency, determinism, and scalability metrics.
Drive continuous monitoring and predictive optimization frameworks.
Lead root cause analysis and resolution of system bottlenecks.
Mentor senior architects and engineering leaders across domains.
Build organizational capability in edge optimization principles and software-defined architecture.
Foster a culture of engineering excellence, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement.
Actively support program execution, including critical issue resolution, technical trade-offs and arbitration, and milestone and architecture readiness reviews.
Define and enforce architectural guidelines, design rules, and best practices.
Establish and maintain reference architectures for edge optimization, design guidelines for zonal and centralized architectures, and standardized interfaces and abstraction layers.
Ensure traceability from system to software to deployment architecture.
Engage executive leadership on architecture strategy, trade-offs, and investment decisions.
Provide clear, data-driven insights on cost vs performance vs complexity trade-offs.
Influence enterprise-wide transformation initiatives.
Represent the organization in industry consortiums (SDV, AUTOSAR, Ethernet standards) and technology forums and conferences.
Identify training needs and lead architecture upskilling programs and cross-domain knowledge sharing initiatives.
Promote reuse of best practices across global teams.