Software Architect — Detroit

Role Summary As a Software Architect , you will provide technical leadership for the design, development, and deployment of next-generation software platforms that power autonomous robotic systems. You will be responsible for defining software architecture, collaborating with the development teams, and ensuring scalable, reliable, safe, and high-performance solutions across robotics, drone, and intelligent machine platforms. You will work at the intersection of embedded software, robotics, AI/ML, autonomy, sensing, and systems engineering, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams spanning software, hardware, systems, product strategy, and customer engineering organizations. Your Role          Software Architecture Leadership • Lead software architecture planning, design, implementation, and deployment for robotics and drone platforms. • Define, document, and maintain scalable, modular, and reusable software architectures and interfaces. • Participate in product/platform planning, requirements definition, and evaluation of architectural alternatives. • Allocate software functionality across components, middleware, services, and hardware platforms. • Define and ensure fulfillment of critical non-functional requirements including performance, timing, reliability, and scalability. • Establish software development standards, coding guidelines, and architecture best practices. • Review architecture, design, code, open-source usage, and release readiness to ensure quality and compliance. • Collaborate with Agile teams to evolve platform architecture and maximize software reuse. Embedded Software & Platform Engineering • Architect software platforms running on embedded microprocessors, microcontrollers, and heterogeneous computing platforms. • Support defining resource budgets for CPU utilization, memory, storage, power consumption, bandwidth, and latency. • Collaborate with hardware teams to influence processor selection, sensor integration, networking, and platform trade-offs. • Support development on Linux and RTOS-based environments. • Guide implementation of real-time, deterministic, and safety-relevant software capabilities. Systems Engineering, Quality & Customer Engagement • Collaborate with systems engineering teams to define customer requirements, use cases, and interface specifications. • Work closely with Product Development and Product Strategy teams to define platform roadmaps and feature sets. • Work with customers, suppliers, and stakeholders to define requirements, expected system behavior, and platform roadmaps. • Support new program pursuits, change requests, estimations, and customer quotations. • Establish performance, reliability, maintainability, and scalability metrics. • Drive implementation of automated testing, continuous integration, and software quality processes. • Support compliance with applicable industry standards and development processes. • Develop, analyze, and realize reusable software products and platform capabilities. • Support definition of functional requirements and ownership of key non-functional requirements. • Align interfaces across internal and external software components and partner integrations. • Drive built-in quality through architecture reviews, CI/CD, testing, and quality processes. • Support software DFMEA, safety, cybersecurity, and compliance activities in collaboration with cross-functional teams. Your Background • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related discipline. • 8+ years of experience in embedded software development. • 3+ years in a software architecture, technical lead, or principal engineer role. • Proven experience defining software architectures for complex embedded systems. • Experience modeling tools such as Enterprise Architect. • Strong understanding of software engineering principles and embedded hardware/software architectures. • Experience with embedded processors and platforms from NVIDIA, TI, Qualcomm, NXP, Renesas, AMD, Intel, or similar vendors. • Experience with Linux-based embedded operating systems and/or RTOS environments. • Strong proficiency in C/C++. • Experience driving architecture decisions across multidisciplinary organizations. • Experience with the V-model development flow. • Knowledge of functional safety standards and safety-critical development processes, including ISO 26262, IEC 61508 or related standards. • Familiarity with Automotive SPICE or equivalent structured software development methodologies • Experience with requirements management and application lifecycle management tools such as Polarion, IBM DOORS/DOORS Next or equivalent platforms. • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Preferred Qualifications • 12+ years of experience in embedded software and system architecture. • Knowledge of AI/ML, Edge Computing, IoT, or Robotics platforms. • Experience with robotics, autonomous systems, drones, AMRs/AGVs, industrial automation, or intelligent machines. • Experience with ROS 2, DDS, robotics middleware, or distributed embedded software architectures. • Experience integrating camera, radar, lidar, GPS, IMU, ultrasonic, and other sensor technologies. • Experience with Docker, CI/CD pipelines, DevOps practices, and automated software deployment. • Familiarity with communication protocols including CAN, Ethernet, TSN, DDS, and similar. • Experience with low-level software development including SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, PCIe, and device drivers. • Familiarity with simulation and virtual validation environments such as Gazebo, Isaac Sim, AirSim, CARLA, or equivalent platforms. Why join Aptiv ? ·       You grow at Aptiv . Aptiv's winning culture is global by design. We bring together diverse perspectives, cultures, and business contexts to solve our customers' toughest challenges. In this environment, every individual can grow, lead, and make an impact, regardless of background, because inclusion fuels how we innovate and win.  ·       You make an impact at Aptiv. One of the strengths of humanity is our drive to progress, to improve, to achieve more tomorrow than we did yesterday. People need solutions they can trust when it matters most. At Aptiv, you are building those solutions every day. ·       You have support at Aptiv. We ensure you have the resources and support you need to take care of your family, your physical health, and your mental health with a competitive benefits package YOUR BENEFITS AT APTIV: ·       Private health care effective day 1 of employment ·       Life and accident insurance ·       Paid Time Off (Holidays, Vacation, Designated time off, Parental leave) ·       Relocation assistance may be available ·       Learning and development opportunities ·       Discount programs with various manufacturers and retailers ·       Recognition for innovation and excellence ·       Opportunities to give back to the community ·       Tuition Reimbursement Meet the Next Generation Aptiv At Aptiv, we deliver innovative solutions that people trust when it matters most. Progress is never static. It is about reaching further, exploring new possibilities, and enabling mobility. Aptiv empowers customers to create solutions people rely on—advancing safety and autonomy in Automotive and Commercial Vehicles, enabling mission-critical performance in Aerospace & Defense, and powering intelligent systems across Energy, Enterprise, and Telecommunications. We also drive precision and efficiency in Industrials & Robotics and support life-critical innovation in Medical technologies. Guided by our winning culture and values to Think & Act Like Owners, as One Team, and Play to Win, we turn commitment into results and achieve more together.   Join Us to Deliver Innovative Solutions That People Trust! Privacy Notice - Active Candidates: https://www.aptiv.com/privacy-notice-active-candidates Aptiv is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.