Staff Systems Engineer -Automotive OEM

Overview

We are seeking a full-time Staff Systems Engineer on our Automotive OEM team in our Brea, CA location. In this role, you will be responsible for leading Systems Engineering tasks across multiple complex systems including identifying common requirements which can be leveraged for common platforms as well as design efficiencies within the Automotive Infotainment or ADAS domain.

Essential Functions

• Creates and maintains system architecture specifications, interface definitions, and integration plans that serve as the foundation for downstream hardware, firmware, and software development teams.
• Decomposes product and business requirements into a system architecture that defines interfaces, boundaries, design constraints, and both static (structural) and dynamic (timing, data flows, state transitions) system behaviors.
• Designs hardware block diagrams (in Draw.io or similar) including the selection of main components (e.g., SoC, MCU), defines interfaces with the vehicle for various subsystems (e.g., networking, connectivity, display, audio), and clarifies system behavior in the vehicle environment.
• Defines software system architecture (in Enterprise Architect or similar) including partitioning, interface specification, and integration with hardware abstraction layers, ensuring efficient and reliable interaction with hardware components.
• Conducts multidisciplinary design reviews, validating that hardware performance, firmware integration, and software interoperability align with architectural intent and behavioral requirements.
• Oversees tradeoff analysis spanning both hardware constraints (e.g., power, signal integrity, EMI/EMC) and software considerations (e.g., latency, throughput, reliability).
• Establishes system verification criteria that unify hardware validation, firmware testing, and software QA processes.
• Applies systems engineering methodologies (e.g., FMEA, risk analysis, design-for-test, design-for-manufacturing) across hardware and software subsystems.
• Contributes inventions, new designs, and techniques regarded as significant advances in engineering.
• Provides mentorship and technical leadership to engineers across domains, fostering systems-level thinking and technical excellence.
• Represents Garmin among industry partners, peer groups, and regulating agencies.
• Demonstrates proficient knowledge of Garmin's processes and procedures.
• Associates are expected to integrate, use, and provide feedback on products in development when possible as part of their normal job responsibilities.
• Travels up to 10% of the time
• Consistently demonstrates Garmin's Mission, Vision and Values
• Performs other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer, Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering or related field AND a minimum of 14 years relevant experience in system design and architecture with a strong emphasis on hardware-software integration OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Successful track record of leading exceedingly complex, multi-disciplinary projects and delivering innovative solutions.
• Broad expertise spanning electronics, embedded systems, and software architectures.
• Ability to create and maintain system-level specifications and guide downstream teams in implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and lead engineers across multiple technical domains.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working in a systems engineering role in the Automotive or Aviation industry

Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, age or disability.

This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits