As the automotive industry advances towards a future of electrification, the emergence of AUTOSAR is compelling companies to invest significant funds in research and development to prepare for the automation wave.
With numerous ongoing advancements and new initiatives being launched, it is becoming increasingly difficult for manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers to locate skilled professionals with expertise in AUTOSAR.
The heightened competition for top talent is causing a slowdown in production, which is frustrating for companies with ambitious expansion plans. Furthermore, many software developers possessing transferable skills suitable for AUTOSAR are finding it challenging to market themselves to the appropriate companies.
Fortunately, we have a deep understanding of the AUTOSAR landscape and extensive experience assisting both clients and candidates in finding roles and individuals in this field. Continue reading to learn more about AUTOSAR and how the evolving industry presents a wealth of opportunities for embedded software developers and engineers.
Now, let’s talk about AUTOSAR:
AUTOSAR (Automotive Open System Architecture) was established in 2003 as a collaborative initiative involving car manufacturers, service organizations, suppliers, and other companies associated with software development. The objective of AUTOSAR is to create and apply standards for an open system architecture that assists original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers in enhancing the quality of automotive electronic control units (ECUs) which are essential for the development of autonomous vehicles and other automobiles.
As the technology rapidly evolves, it focuses on long-term scalability through sustainable resources, various platform types, software portability, safety protocols, and the ongoing management of the product lifecycle.
Why AUTOSAR Skills Matter in Today’s Automotive Industry
The automotive industry is evolving towards software-defined vehicles (SDVs), where various functions—from engine performance to advanced driving assistance—are managed by electronics and software. Central to this evolution is AUTOSAR (Automotive Open System Architecture), a worldwide standard for developing automotive software.
For engineers who aspire to pursue a career in embedded systems and automotive software, gaining expertise in AUTOSAR tools and technologies has become a necessity rather than an option. Whether you are a recent graduate exploring this field or a seasoned professional seeking to specialize, grasping these tools will provide you with a competitive advantage in the job market.
Below, we’ve listed the 10 essential tools and technologies that every AUTOSAR developer should master:
1. MATLAB/Simulink:
A robust software platform for model-based design, allowing users to visually construct and evaluate control systems through block diagrams. It is commonly utilized for simulating, designing, and developing automotive functionalities that comply with the AUTOSAR standard.
2. Vector CANoe:
A widely recognized tool in the industry for assessing how various Electronic Control Units (ECUs) interact with one another. It can replicate and validate automotive networks such as CAN, LIN, FlexRay, and Ethernet before their implementation in actual vehicles.
3. dSPACE Tools (ControlDesk, TargetLink):
Employed for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) simulations, where actual hardware interacts with virtual models. This enables engineers to efficiently test, verify, and refine automotive software within a safe simulated environment.
4. EB tresos Studio (Elektrobit):
A popular toolchain for the configuration and integration of AUTOSAR Basic Software (BSW) modules. It facilitates the connection of low-level hardware functionalities with high-level automotive applications.
5. DaVinci Developer & DaVinci Configurator Pro (Vector):
These tools assist engineers in designing, configuring, and overseeing AUTOSAR Software Components (SWCs) as well as defining their interactions within the vehicle’s system architecture.
6. AUTOSAR Authoring Tools (ARXML Editors):
Specialized tools designed for creating and modifying AUTOSAR XML (ARXML) files, which encompass the detailed architecture, data, and interfaces of automotive systems.
7. Embedded C & C++ with MISRA Guidelines:
Proficiency in C and C++ programming is crucial for automotive software development. Engineers must also adhere to MISRA C regulations to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance in essential vehicle systems.
8. RTOS (Real-Time Operating Systems):
A Real-Time Operating System, such as OSEK/VDX or AUTOSAR OS, oversees task management within a vehicle’s software, guaranteeing operations occur at the appropriate times. This is vital for safety and performance in real-time applications.
9. Configuration & Calibration Tools (INCA, CANape):
Utilized for measuring, fine-tuning, and calibrating ECU parameters throughout the development and testing phases, ensuring that the vehicle’s systems function as intended.
10. Version Control & CI/CD Tools (Git, Jenkins, Jira):
These tools support teams in collaborating effectively, managing code versions, and automating the build and testing processes, maintaining organization and progress in AUTOSAR projects.
Challenges:
The rapid advancement of this technology is generating a need for skilled individuals with AUTOSAR expertise. Nevertheless, alongside this demand, certain anticipated challenges arise. Based on our vast experience in AUTOSAR, we have pinpointed two of the most significant recruitment difficulties in the market.
Building Your AUTOSAR Career Path
To be successful as an AUTOSAR developer, it’s essential to do more than just program—you need to grasp the ecosystem of tools, standards, and safety regulations that ensure automotive software is dependable. Proficiency in model-based design using MATLAB, testing with Vector CANoe, and understanding compliance with ISO 26262 are skills that will equip you for the industry.
By becoming adept with these tools, you’ll be ready to contribute to the development of cutting-edge automotive applications, spanning electric vehicles to autonomous driving systems.
