A Career at HARMAN
As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you'll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do every day.
Introduction: A Career at HARMAN Automotive
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
About the Role
As the Lead Systems Architect for one of our premium brands in Car Audio, 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.
Your Team
Reports to the Brand Owner
Individual contributor with high cross-functional influence
What You Will Do
Technical Strategy & Architecture
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
Product & Innovation Leadership
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
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
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
Delivery & Execution
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
What You Need to Be Successful
Core Qualifications
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
Technical Expertise
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
Leadership & Soft Skills
Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills
Excellent communication across technical and executive audiences
Ability to operate in fast-paced, cross-functional environments
Bonus Points if You Have
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.
Success Metrics (KPI's)
Feature and enabler delivery throughput
System performance and NFR compliance
Asset reuse across programs
Integration stability and quality
PI predictability and delivery accuracy
What Makes You Eligible
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
What We Offer
Flexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location
Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman and Samsung products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.)
Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University
Competitive wellness benefits
Tuition reimbursement
"Be Brilliant" employee recognition and rewards program
An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development
#LI-Hybrid
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Salary Ranges:
$ 161,250 - $ 236,500
HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.