Brief Role Description

At Volkswagen Infotainment GmbH, you will work with us to develop the embedded software platform for control units (ECUs) in the Volkswagen Group. In this environment, we evaluate new technologies to further increase software quality, security, and development efficiency.

The position is structured in two stages:

1. Working student activity (duration by arrangement) and
2. subsequent master's thesis.

The focus is on the development of a well-founded decision model for C++-based ECU systems, in which Rust is systematically evaluated as an alternative – both for homogeneous systems (pure C++ or purely Rust) and for hybrid systems (combination of Rust and C++ within one product or ECU). The aim is to provide a reliable basis for decision-making as to when which technology/architecture variant makes sense – taking into account compliance, quality and integration aspects.

The hourly wage of a working student is €17.50.

Possible Tasks within this Role

Phase 1 – Working student activity (preparation, duration by arrangement)

• Familiarization with the ECU software context as well as existing C++-based architecture and quality requirements.
• Support in structuring the topic: Definition of evaluation dimensions and decision criteria for technology and architecture variants (C++-only, Rust-only, hybrid).
• Collaboration in the analysis of rules/standards and their verifiability (e.g. in the MISRA:2023 environment) as input for the decision model.
• Collaboration on proof-of-concept modules or reference components that will later be used for testing.

Phase 2 – Master's Thesis (Decision Model + Proof)

• Development of a decision model for technology/architecture choice in the ECU context:
• Homogeneous Systems: C++-only vs. Rust-only
• Hybrid systems: Rust+C++ (e.g. module-by-module migration, clearly defined interfaces, mixed component landscape)
• Derivation of a comprehensible decision-making logic (e.g. catalogue of criteria, weighting, risks, assumptions, limits, documentation).
• Practical testing of the model in a serial embedded ECU context using functional software components (proof).
• Optional: Definition and evaluation of KPIs (e.g. performance, memory consumption, complexity/integration effort) for the variants.

Qualification requirements

• Enrolment in a suitable course of study (e.g. computer science, electrical engineering, embedded systems, systems engineering or comparable) and interest in working as a working student followed by a master's thesis.
• Knowledge of embedded software development and at least one relevant programming language (C/C++ and/or Rust).
• Interest in software architecture, interfaces, quality and compliance requirements in the automotive/embedded environment.
• Analytical thinking, structured way of working and ability to document and present results in an understandable way.
• Good knowledge of English; Knowledge of German is an advantage.
• Optional: Experience or willingness to learn in the field of CI/CD, static analysis and software metrics.

Skills