Interesting (in a hardware geek sort of way)

 -tim

As seen on slashdot
http://hardware.slashdot.org/hardware/05/05/19/2332252.shtml?tid=216&tid=126

Hardware: Stanford and Volkswagen Create Autonomous Vehicle
Robotics

Posted by CowboyNeal on Thursday May 19, @10:51PM
from the race-is-on dept.

nght2000 writes "Stanford University has created an autonomous driving
robot to compete in the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge Race. The race will
be held on October 8, 2005 in the desert Southwest. The team that
develops an autonomous ground vehicle that finishes the designated
route most quickly within 10 hours will receive $2 million. The route
will be no more than 175 miles over desert terrain featuring natural
and man-made obstacles. The Stanford Racing Team's vehicle is a
Volkswagen R5 turbo diesel Touareg that was donated by Volkswagen of
America. The Stanford Team has been working with the Volkswagen
Electronics Research Laboratory on the project."

Looks like VWOA has an opening in 'Shallow Alto' as well ;-) 

Job Description:

AUTOMOTIVE EMBEDDED SYSTEMS ENGINEER
ELECTRONICS RESEARCH LABORATORY
PALO ALTO, CA
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT #4438
April 21, 2005

Volkswagen of America's Electronics Research Laboratory has an opening
for an Automotive Embedded Systems Engineer based in Palo Alto,
California,

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL) supports the entire global
mix of VW brands with a large range of technologies that are fostered
in the Silicon Valley and abroad. One of the ERL's strengths is its
ability to turn an idea in to something real and tangible. This open
position is part of a team that focuses on the development and
build-up of electronic hardware used to demonstrate automotive-related
research concepts, and will also support other engineering teams in
our European and Asian offices.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

� Create, propose and manage electronics research projects
� Design and build prototype electronic hardware/platforms for demonstrations
� Understand and create interfaces to vehicle electrical systems using
MOST, CAN and other connection schemes
� Implement ideas into prototype cars
� Create roadmaps for automotive use of new technologies
� Find and apply new technical solutions; create intellectual property
� Write specifications for various projects
� Build relationships with vendors on hardware design and work practices
� Build business cases for various alternatives
� Support VW Group development activities
� Provide an interface to VW's electrical engineering community

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education
Bachelors Science in Engineering

Experience
Experience in related areas of expertise
Minimum experience in automotive or research company
Minimum experience in managing engineering projects
Prior experience in working with suppliers of larger companies

Unique Skills
Embedded system and vehicle electronics knowledge
Programming experience
Manufacturing processes knowledge
Basic knowledge of Vehicle bus systems, Circuit design, Multimedia,
Operating systems (e.g. QNX, Windows)
Motivated, self-directed team player, self-starter with positive
attitude and strong work ethic
Ability to write and interpret technical specifications
Flexible attitude towards customers and suppliers
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
Motivated, self-directed team player, self-starter with positive
attitude and strong work ethic
Vision for future electronics

Competencies
Fact-finding and documentation skills
Focuses on customer service
Supports continuous improvements
Aligns needs with solutions
Demonstrates organizational acumen
Leverages networks
Communicates effectively
Demonstrates and shares professional/functional expertise
Demonstrates systemic thinking
Shows commitment to quality
Plans and organizes
Prioritizes
Gathers information
Demonstrates self-improvement orientation
Accomplishes goals
Analyzes critical data
Uses computer/technical systems
Multi-tasks
Maintains focus
Displays professional integrity
Analyzes problems
Familiarity with presentation tools (e.g. Visio, Powerpoint, etc)

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education
Master's degree

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Apply online at www.vw.com

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free
workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.