Lead Brand Architect - Automotive Audio & Infotainment

Introduction

We’re a global, multi‑disciplinary team that’s putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. At HARMAN Automotive, we give you the keys to fast‑track your career.

• Engineer audio systems and integrated technology platforms that augment the driving experience
• Combine ingenuity, in‑depth research, and a spirit of collaboration with design and engineering excellence
• Advance in‑vehicle infotainment, safety, efficiency, and enjoyment

As the Lead Systems Architect – Automotive Audio & Infotainment, you will translate brand and customer experience vision into scalable, production‑ready technical solutions. You’ll define system architecture, technical strategy, and feature pipelines that power both demo vehicles and production programs, with a strong focus on reuse, performance, and feasibility. This role serves as the primary technical authority across hardware, software, and system integration—partnering closely with brand, product, and OEM stakeholders.

• Reports to the Brand Owner
• Individual contributor with high cross‑functional influence

• Translate experience vision into technical architecture, feature concepts, and implementation strategy
• Define system architecture, NFRs, and technical enablers across audio and infotainment systems
• Establish scalable designs supporting ~80% reuse into production programs
• Lead feasibility, risk assessment, and go/no‑go decisions
• Define and maintain the architectural roadmap and runway

• Evaluate emerging audio, UI/UX, and infotainment technologies
• Drive innovation in system design, audio performance, and user experience
• Convert customer and user needs into detailed engineering requirements
• Identify and define enablers required to deliver experiences
• Leverage Enterprise AI tools to support all aspects of the product lifecycle

• Act as primary technical interface with OEM customers and partners
• Align long‑term architecture and integration strategies with customer roadmaps
• Collaborate across internal engineering, product, and innovation teams

• Enable teams to deliver high‑quality features with speed and reliability
• Support demo vehicle builds and feature integration
• Ensure compliance with NFRs, system performance, and stability
• Contribute to PI Planning and Agile delivery within SAFe frameworks

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Acoustics, or related field
• 15+ years in automotive, audio, or technology systems
• 5+ years in technical leadership or customer‑facing roles
• Deep expertise in automotive audio and infotainment system architecture
• Strong understanding of hardware/software integration and system design
• Proven ability to influence OEMs, partners, and internal stakeholders

• Audio systems, acoustics, and sound tuning
• Infotainment architectures and in‑vehicle systems
• Software/hardware tradeoffs and system‑level design
• Feature definition and technical requirement synthesis

• Strategic thinker with strong problem‑solving skills
• Excellent communication across technical and executive audiences
• Ability to operate in fast‑paced, cross‑functional environments

• Master’s or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Acoustics, or related field
• Experience in Luxury Audio or Premium Automotive Brands
• Specific experience in three or more of the following fields: signal flow design, UI/UX design, electronics engineering, transducer engineering, acoustic engineering, digital signal processing, psychoacoustics, and recording arts.

• Feature and enabler delivery throughput
• System performance and NFR compliance
• Asset reuse across programs
• Integration stability and quality
• PI predictability and delivery accuracy

• Be willing to travel up to 25%, domestic and international travel
• Be willing to work in a hybrid office environment in our Novi, MI location
• Successfully complete a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment

• Flexible work…