Senior Manager, MBOS ECUs Software

Lead the MBOS ECUs Software team responsible for base software, middleware, and platform software development across multiple EEA (Electrical/Electronic Architecture) generations for zone controllers (ZCU), VCPU platforms, and other ECUs in Mercedes-Benz vehicles for the China market.

Collaborate with EEA architecture to define the overall methodology for zone controller base software and system across three key domains: computing, communication (communication middleware, SOA), and power distribution (intelligent power management and big-data analytics). Leverage SOA-based middleware and modern toolchains to enable efficient software development, flexible vehicle software architecture, shortened development cycles, and improved hardware-software decoupling for rapid functional iteration.

Lead vehicle ECU Update and OTA onboard development, release and roll-out for China-specific version as market function owner to support MB's product transformation. As part of global security teams, lead security technology including requirements, design, implementation and testing to meet the needs of the Chinese market. Drive cross-domain SDV innovation.

Manage and advance the development of CP AutoSAR, AP AutoSAR, complex device drivers, and real-time operating systems (Linux, QNX) across the MBOS ECU product portfolio, including VCPU platforms, next-generation zone SOC/MPU platforms, and CP AutoSAR integration for cockpit computing. Ensure compliance with ASPICE, functional safety (ISO 26262), and cybersecurity standards.

Build, mentor, grow and retain a high-performing multinational engineering team. Foster a results-oriented culture with strong cross-functional and cross-border collaboration to exceed internal and external customer expectations.

Management (standard item for position with leading role): The management, motivation and development of staff using HR tools, founded on our mission statement & corporate values, and provision of purposeful internal communications in order to achieve the agreed objectives. Ensuring that the necessary training appropriate to the needs of individual employees and the tasks assigned to them is provided. Informing subordinated employees about the relevant provisions and instructing them to comply with the provisions. Ensuring that they are implemented properly.

Responsible for zone controller (ZCU) base software, system software and middleware architecture, design, development and delivery based on MBOS platforms, including CP/AP AutoSAR, complex device drivers, OS adaptation layers (Linux/QNX), and communication middleware (SOME/IP, DDS, network management). Ensure alignment with global MBOS strategy while meeting China-specific requirements.

Collaborate with EEA architecture team to define zone controller system methodology across computing, communication and power distribution domains. Leverage SOA-based middleware and modern toolchains to enable hardware-software decoupling and rapid functional iteration.

Responsible for VCPU platform software and CP AutoSAR integration, enabling multi-OS coexistence, resource management, and system isolation. Drive next-generation zone SOC/MPU platform software development, including high-performance computing architecture, heterogeneous multi-core resource management, and advanced OS frameworks for future zonal computing platforms.

Responsible for OTA/Update function and cybersecurity technology innovation, development and testing for MBOS products to fulfill China market regulatory and product needs.

Responsible for vehicle cybersecurity engineering and security operations across the ECU product lifecycle, including threat analysis and risk assessment (TARA), security architecture and concept design, secure boot and secure update mechanisms, HSM/TPM integration, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), and vehicle security operations center (vSOC) coordination. Ensure compliance with ISO/SAE 21434, UNECE WP.29 R155/R156, and China-specific cybersecurity standards and regulations (GB/T 40857, GB/T 40856). Drive security testing including penetration testing, fuzz testing, and vulnerability management for all MBOS ECU products.

Cross-functional collaboration with HQ, procurement, product management and stakeholders to drive technology roadmap alignment, supplier management and strategic planning.

Education
•    Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Automation, Embedded Systems, or related engineering disciplines 
Professional Experience
•    12+ years of working experience in embedded software or system engineering in the automotive industry, with 5+ years in a management/leadership role managing software engineering teams
•    Deep technical expertise in ECU base software development, including CP AutoSAR (Classic Platform) and AP AutoSAR (Adaptive Platform), complex device drivers (CDD), bootloader, and hardware abstraction layers
•    Proven experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and POSIX-compliant OS such as QNX and Linux in automotive production environments - mandatory; deep understanding of POSIX standards and OS-level system programming
•    Hands-on experience with zone/central computing architecture, including zone controller development covering computing, communication, and power distribution domains; experience with IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment), ADAS platform software, or next-gen zone SOC/MPU platform development is also acceptable
•    Strong understanding of communication middleware technologies: SOME/IP, DDS, network management (CAN/LIN/Ethernet), and service-oriented architecture (SOA) in next-gen EEA
•    Proficient technical understanding of on-board/off-board OTA experience in automotive products, operation and roll-out; cyber security technology
•    Familiar with automotive development process frameworks including ASPICE, ISO 26262 (Functional Safety), ISO/SAE 21434 (Cybersecurity Engineering), and CMMI
•    Fluent understanding of agile methodologies (SAFe, Scrum), with experience in large-scale automotive software programs
•    Knowledge of software defined vehicle (SDV) and next-gen EEA solutions
Leadership & International Collaboration
•    Demonstrated leadership competency in building, mentoring, and scaling multinational engineering teams in a matrix organization
•    Proven track record of cross-border collaboration with headquarters (Germany) and international stakeholders; ability to bridge cultural differences and drive alignment across time zones
•    Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution capability; ability to translate complex technical challenges into actionable roadmaps
•    Excellent conflict resolution and stakeholder management skills; ability to navigate ambiguity and drive decisions in complex organizational structures
•    Remain focused on challenging goals while understanding the impact of change on multiple systems; successfully and effectively in a global team environment
•    Experience in talent acquisition and employer branding in a competitive market environment (benchmarking against NIO, Li Auto, Zeekr, Avatr, and other NEV companies)
Language Skills
•    Fluent English language skills (spoken and written) for daily international collaboration - mandatory
•    German language skills are a strong plus
•    Native or fluent Mandarin Chinese Native or fluent Mandarin Chinese

Specific knowledge (Nice to Have)
•    Experience in building AI-enabled engineering organizations, including AI-assisted development workflows, AI toolchain adoption, and leveraging AI to improve team productivity and software quality
•    Experience in developing or integrating intelligent power distribution systems with data-driven analytics capabilities
•    Knowledge of next-generation vehicle E/E architecture trends (central computing + zonal architecture), SDV (Software Defined Vehicle) concepts
•    Prior experience at leading Chinese NEV OEMs (NIO, Li Auto, Zeekr, Avatr, XPeng) or Tier-1 suppliers (Bosch, Continental, HELLA) with zone controller programs
•    Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, DevOps practices, and cloud-based development toolchains for automotive software
•    Experience with cross-domain SDV innovation and technology as enabler function research, development and roll-out in series products