Staff Software Engineer - Customer Integration

At Sonatus, we’re driving the transformation to AI-enabled software-defined vehicles. Traditional automotive software methods can’t keep pace with consumer expectations shaped by the mobile industry-where features evolve rapidly, update seamlessly, and improve continuously. That’s why leading OEMs trust Sonatus to accelerate this shift. Our technology is already in production across more than 9 million vehicles on the road today and rapidly expanding.

Headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, with 250+ employees worldwide, Sonatus combines the agility of a fast-growing company with the scale and impact of an established partner. Backed by strong funding and proven by global deployment, we’re solving some of the most interesting and complex challenges in the industry. Join us and help redefine what’s possible as we shape the future of mobility.

About the Role

At Sonatus, we are redefining the future of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV) through agility and innovation. To achieve this, we operate as Mission-Driven Squads, where each team takes full end-to-end ownership of a specific module to deliver production-ready software with speed and precision.

We are looking for a  Software Engineer - Customer Integration  to join one of our squads (e.g., Secure Network, Data Hub) as a core member. In this role, you will go beyond traditional coding; you will act as a Full-Cycle Engineer who ensures the quality and reliability of the features you build.

This position is ideal for an experienced C/C++ developer who is passionate about delivering excellence. By leveraging AI tools like GitHub Copilot and Claude, you will drive the entire engineering lifecycle-from implementation to verification -safeguarding the integrity of our software for millions of vehicles on the road.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Squad Mission Contribution

• Work under the guidance of the Squad Lead to execute the full engineering lifecycle-from Implementation to Verification.
• Switch roles flexibly based on the squad’s goals (e.g., focusing on feature development in one sprint, and shifting to verification tasks in the next) to ensure the mission is accomplished.

2. Cross-Functional Engineering (Hybrid Dev & QA)

• Development: Design and develop high-quality C/C++ embedded software based on customer requirements.
• Verification: Design Python-based test cases and build automation frameworks to verify both your own code and the squad’s deliverables.
• Documentation: Treat documentation as code. Create and maintain detailed technical documentation-including APIs, dependencies, and integration guides-to ensure the software is accessible, maintainable, and seamlessly integrated by customers.
• Review: Participate in Code Reviews not just for logic, but with a focus on Testability and Safety, ensuring the code is robust before it merges.

3. Quality Ownership

• Champion a culture of total ownership. You define "Done" not merely by implementation, but by delivering software that is Production-Ready and rigorously validated.
• Actively troubleshoot and resolve build/test failures in the CI/CD pipeline as if they were your own code errors.

4. AI-Augmented Workflow

• Leverage AI tools such as GitHub Copilot and Claude to maximize productivity.
• Use AI to lower the barrier for cross-functional tasks (e.g., generating test scenarios for complex logic, or debugging unfamiliar code), allowing you to focus on high-value engineering challenges.

5. Customer Support

• On-site Support: Support major test events with partners on-site (domestic/international), troubleshooting integration issues directly in vehicle or test bench environments to ensure successful deployment.
• Technical Communication: Serve as a primary technical contact for integration issues, translating complex engineering concepts into clear guidance for customer engineering teams.

Qualifications and Experience

[Foundation: Development Skills]

• Experience: 10+ years of experience in embedded software development or engineering.
• Core Language: Proficiency in C/C++ programming (strong understanding of pointers, memory management, and data structures).
• OS Environment: Solid experience in development and debugging within a Linux environment.

[Key Differentiator: QA Capability & Mindset]

• Scripting: Experience using Python for writing test scripts or automating engineering tasks.
• Testing Willingness: A flexible attitude with a strong belief that " Testing is Engineering." You are willing to balance your time between Dev and QA tasks (even up to 50:50) depending on the squad's needs.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to look beyond the "Happy Path" and critically ask, "Is this truly safe for the user?"

Preferred Knowledge and Experience

[Automotive Standards & Quality]

• Standards & Audit: Experience in automotive design reviews and audit processes based on standards such as ISO 26262 (Functional Safety), Automotive SPICE (ASPICE), or ASIL.
• Code Quality Analysis: Experience adhering to MISRA C/C++ coding standards and using static analysis tools such as Coverity, Polyspace, or similar products to manage code quality.

[Collaboration & Tools]

• Collaboration: Experience working in Cross-functional Squads or Agile/Scrum environments.
• Tools: Proficiency with Jira/Confluence and Git-based workflows (Branching, Pull Requests).
• Frameworks: Experience with Unit/Integration test frameworks (e.g., PyTest, GoogleTest).
• Network Protocols: Deep understanding of automotive communication protocols (Ethernet, CAN, SOME/IP).
• Adaptability: Eagerness to learn and adopt new technologies and AI tools to enhance workflow efficiency.

Benefits & Perks

Benefits Offered:

• Competitive compensation and equity program
• Support 4 social insurance plans
• Family leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Hybrid office work-arrangement/flexibility

Perk Offerings:

• Complimentary lunch/dinner, snacks and beverages during on-site working days
• Wellness benefit allowances (towards gym membership and fitness programs)
• Phone & Internet reimbursement
• Computer Accessory Allowance
• Annual Appreciation Gift
• Annual Health Checkup
• Support English class

Employee Engagement Offerings:

• Departmental team building and outings
• Employee Referral Program
• Culture/Employee Satisfaction Surveys - Feedback matters!
• Innovative Award Program (annual)