Principal Systems Engineer

HARMAN’s engineers and designers are creative, purposeful and agile. As part of this team, you’ll combine your technical expertise with innovative ideas to help drive cutting-edge solutions in the car, enterprise and connected ecosystem. Every day, you will push the boundaries of creative design, and HARMAN is committed to providing you with the opportunities, innovative technologies and resources to build a successful career.

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 everyday.

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

What You’ll Be Part Of

We are seeking a highly motivated Systems Engineer to drive requirements engineering, system architecture, integration, and validation activities for Intelligent Cockpit platforms. The ideal candidate will work across hardware, software, middleware, and vehicle domains to translate customer requirements into scalable automotive solutions while ensuring functional, performance, and quality targets are met.

The role requires close collaboration with customers, product management, software development, platform teams, validation teams, and global engineering organizations throughout the complete product lifecycle.

How You’ll Make An Impact

Systems Engineering & Architecture

• Analyze OEM customer requirements and derive system-level requirements and specifications.
• Define end-to-end Intelligent Cockpit system architecture including: Digital Cluster Center Information Display (CID) Passenger Displays Head-Up Display (HUD) Connectivity & Telematics Audio & Voice Systems Camera & ADAS visualization interfaces
• Create and maintain system architecture diagrams, interface definitions, and technical specifications.
• Perform requirement decomposition and allocation to software, hardware, middleware, and platform components.

Platform Integration

• Collaborate with software and platform teams during: Android/Linux bring-up Hypervisor integration Display and graphics integration Connectivity enablement Audio integration Vehicle network integration (CAN, Ethernet, LIN)
• Support system integration activities and issue triaging.

Validation & Verification

• Define system verification strategies and test plans.
• Support feature validation and system-level acceptance testing.
• Analyze defects, root causes, and drive resolution with cross-functional teams.
• Ensure verification coverage for performance, functionality, reliability, and user experience.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as technical focal point for OEM customers.
• Participate in customer reviews, technical workshops, and requirement clarification meetings.
• Present architecture proposals, technical solutions, and system trade-off analyses.
• Coordinate with global engineering teams to align system deliverables and milestones.

What Makes You A Strong Fit

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in: Electronics Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering Automotive Engineering Embedded Systems

Experience

• 10–15 years of experience in Automotive Systems Engineering, Embedded Systems, or Software-defined Vehicle development.
• Experience with automotive infotainment, cockpit, connectivity, cluster, or ADAS systems.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of automotive system engineering lifecycle.
• Experience with requirements engineering and traceability.
• Knowledge of: AUTOSAR (Classic and/or Adaptive) Android Automotive Linux Embedded Systems Hypervisors (QNX, Android, Linux virtualization) Vehicle Networks (CAN, Ethernet, LIN) Diagnostics (UDS, DoIP) Functional Safety basics (ISO 26262) Cybersecurity concepts (ISO 21434)
• Familiarity with SysML, UML, or Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).

Things To Know

• This role is based in Tokyo, Japan and follows a hybrid schedule, with regular in-office collaboration alongside engineering, product, and customer program teams.

• This position supports global product, so occasional early morning or evening meetings may be needed to collaborate with teams in Europe and America.
• Professional working proficiency in English and Japanese is required to support day-to-day communication with OEM customers and regional engineering teams.
• Successfully complete a background investigation.

What You Can Expect

• A hybrid work environment that balances flexibility with in-person collaboration, with most office-based roles onsite three days a week.
• Access to employee discounts on HARMAN products (including JBL, Harman / Kardon, AKG, and others)
• Learning and development opportunities through our award-winning HARMAN University programs
• Wellness benefits designed to support your overall well-being
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that supports both your professional and personal development

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.