From Brazil to Bavaria – and from Software Development straight into the vehicle. Matheus is Lead Software Architect in Passenger Entertainment at the BMW Group. His passion for technology has been with him since childhood. Today, he works on the software architectures behind the digital experiences that millions of customers use every day. In this interview, he talks about his journey to the BMW Group, modern vehicle software and why the automotive industry is now a more exciting environment than ever for tech talents.
11.08.2026
Between code and in-car experience:
How Matheus is helping shape the future of Passenger Entertainment at the BMW Group.
Today, the BMW Group develops far more than vehicles. We create digital products and intelligent mobility experiences for millions of people worldwide. Anyone interested in Embedded Software, Artificial Intelligence, Connected Services or Vehicle Architectures will find the opportunity here to work on real series-production projects with global reach.
Matheus, tell us a little about yourself.
How did you come to join BMW?
“I work as Lead Software Architect in Passenger Entertainment. I’m from Brazil, but I took the step of moving to Germany early on and completed a German-Brazilian double degree at the age of 22. I then completed my Master’s degree in Software Development, which I pursued in parallel between university and industry. As part of this, I developed the software logic for a P3 hybrid vehicle to optimise fuel consumption and emissions. I have been with the BMW Group since 2022. Alongside my work, I have been volunteering as a Formula Student judge at international competitions in Brazil, the USA, the UK, Austria and Germany since 2015. I’ve already had the opportunity to contribute to projects on almost every continent. Cars and software have been part of my life for as long as I can remember – and today, I get to live out precisely this passion at BMW.”
What does a typical working day look like for you?
“There isn’t really such a thing as a typical working day – and that’s exactly what makes my job so exciting. I act as a bridge between concept, development and our software partners. In doing so, I coordinate both the technical and functional planning across various platform and software levels.
My day-to-day work includes architecture concepts, technical documentation, code reviews and working with modern development and AI tools. At the same time, I am in close contact with internal stakeholders and international suppliers. This combination of technical depth and global collaboration makes the role particularly varied.”
Which functions or experiences in the vehicle
does your team specifically influence?
“We develop the digital experiences that our customers perceive directly inside the vehicle. These include the infotainment system, rear-seat entertainment offerings and various Linux- and Android-based platforms. I am responsible for all on- and offboard SomeIP interfaces in Passenger Entertainment. Put simply, these technologies ensure that content and services are available in the vehicle reliably, securely and seamlessly. Whether it’s music streaming, video playback or navigation – much of our team’s work is behind many of these functions.”
What fascinates me most is the combination of technological complexity and major impact. We develop systems used by millions of people around the world. When someone listens to music, watches videos or uses the navigation system in a BMW, a piece of my work is behind it.
What do you personally enjoy most about your work?
“What fascinates me most is the combination of technological complexity and major impact. We develop systems used by millions of people around the world. This responsibility motivates me every single day. At the same time, I work with teams from across Europe and coordinate projects with partners all over the world. The different perspectives and experiences not only make collaboration more exciting, but also lead to better solutions.”
What makes developing software in the automotive environment particularly exciting?
“In the automotive sector, software solutions have to meet the highest standards. They need to be powerful, reliable and safe – without compromise. At the same time, we work with cutting-edge technologies such as Android Automotive OS, Embedded Linux, AUTOSAR Adaptive, QNX hypervisors and CI/CD pipelines. It is the same modern technology stack familiar from the software world – but with the additional requirements of a safety-critical product. This precise combination of innovation and precision is what makes the industry so special to me.”
Did you have any preconceptions about BMW?
“Like many others, I initially had the image of a rather traditional car manufacturer in mind. I was all the more positively surprised by how strongly the BMW Group focuses on modern software architectures and agile ways of working.
We work with state-of-the-art technologies, an open error culture and highly professional collaboration between internal teams and external partners. The importance of software can be felt in a great many areas of the organisation – and that is exactly what makes the working environment so attractive.”
The BMW Group has long been more than a car manufacturer – it is a technology company redefining mobility.
From your perspective, why is the BMW Group an exciting place for people who want to work in AI and software?
“Today, the BMW Group develops far more than vehicles. We create digital products and intelligent mobility experiences for millions of people worldwide. Anyone interested in embedded software, artificial intelligence, connected services or vehicle architectures will find the opportunity here to work on real series-production projects with global reach. At the same time, the international environment encourages professional exchange and opens up a wide range of development opportunities.”
What should applicants bring with them
to get started in your area?
“A solid technical foundation is important. Experience with Android, Linux, embedded systems or AUTOSAR is particularly helpful. Knowledge of programming languages such as C/C++, Java or Kotlin, as well as experience with modern development tools and CI/CD processes, is also advantageous. However, personal attitude is at least as important. Curiosity, a willingness to learn and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly all play a key role. Anyone who wants to take on responsibility, enjoys working in international teams and takes pleasure in helping shape visible products will find excellent opportunities with us.”
Find out more.
Interested in Matheus’ insights? Discover further insights as well as entry opportunities and jobs in the field of Artificial Intelligence.