Freelance Software Product Owner (Automotive – AUTOSAR, Audio, Embedded Systems)

Location: Hybrid (Remote + on‑site visits in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany)
Duration: 6‑month initial contract (extension expected)
Engagement: Freelance / Contract
Team Size: Small cross‑functional embedded software team

About the Role

We are looking for a highly driven Freelance Software Product Owner to lead a small software development team working on an advanced automotive amplifier and embedded audio platform. This role is central to shaping feature direction, managing backlog priorities, and driving delivery of AUTOSAR, audio processing, and system-level software components for next‑generation in‑vehicle systems.

You’ll serve as the link between engineering, system architecture, hardware, and customer stakeholders—ensuring the product vision is clear, the backlog is refined, and the team executes efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and manage the software product backlog, ensuring alignment with system requirements, program milestones, and customer expectations.
• Define, prioritize, and communicate features, user stories, and acceptance criteria for AUTOSAR‑based components, audio software features, and embedded Linux interactions.
• Lead a small, focused software team developing audio signal processing, amplifier control, diagnostics, communication stacks, and integration modules.
• Collaborate closely with the Software Architect to ensure technical feasibility and architectural alignment.
• Work with cross‑functional teams (hardware, audio engineering, system testing, cybersecurity, IC integration) to ensure seamless end‑to‑end functionality.
• Drive sprint planning, backlog grooming, and release planning using Agile/Scrum methodologies.
• Track delivery status, manage risks, and make informed trade‑off decisions to maintain schedule and quality.
• Serve as the primary interface to stakeholders, OEM/Tier‑1 engineering teams, and management.
• Support regulatory, cybersecurity, and compliance‑driven feature planning.
• Attend key on‑site sessions in Nordrhein‑Westfalen for workshops, feature alignment, and technical reviews.

Required Skills & Experience

• 5–10+ years’ experience in automotive software development, preferably in a Product Owner, Project Lead, or Feature Owner role.
• Strong understanding of AUTOSAR (Classic and/or Adaptive) concepts, workflows, modules, and configuration practices.
• Experience with audio systems, amplifiers, audio DSP pipelines, or automotive infotainment architectures.
• Familiarity with embedded Linux, automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, A2B, etc.), and integration workflows.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable user stories.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to balance priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• Comfortable leading a small, cross-disciplinary engineering team.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills in an OEM/Tier‑1 context.

Nice-to-Have

• Prior experience working with premium automotive audio solutions.
• Understanding of cybersecurity requirements (UNECE R155/R156, ISO 21434).
• Knowledge of SPICE, ASPICE, or related automotive process frameworks.
• German language skills (optional).

Engagement Details

• 6‑month initial freelance contract
• Hybrid working with remote flexibility and periodic on‑site work in Nordrhein‑Westfalen
• Competitive freelance rate
• Potential for extension based on program phas