Sejoon Kim as a DevOps Engineer Intern - SEA:ME

Developing next-generation automotive software solutions as part of SEA:ME's innovative program.

About SEA:ME

SEA:ME (Software Engineering in Automotive and Mobility Ecosystems) is an innovative program designed to train the next generation of automotive software engineers. The program combines hands-on project work with cutting-edge automotive technologies.

Role Overview

As a DevOps Engineer Intern in the SEA:ME program from July 2024 to January 2025, I contributed to automotive software development projects, focusing on infrastructure, deployment automation, and DevOps practices for modern vehicles.

Key Projects

In-Vehicle Infotainment System Development

• Developed software components for next-generation infotainment systems
• Implemented user interface features using modern frameworks
• Optimized performance for resource-constrained automotive hardware
• Ensured compliance with automotive software standards (AUTOSAR)

Vehicle Communication Systems

• Worked with CAN bus and automotive networking protocols
• Developed diagnostic tools for vehicle communication systems
• Implemented data logging and analysis features
• Debugged complex inter-module communication issues

Embedded Systems Programming

• Developed embedded software for automotive microcontrollers
• Optimized code for real-time performance requirements
• Implemented safety-critical features following ISO 26262
• Conducted hardware-software integration testing

DevOps for Automotive Software

• Set up CI/CD pipelines for automotive software projects
• Implemented automated testing frameworks
• Developed containerized development environments
• Created documentation and technical specifications

Technologies Used

Programming Languages

• C/C++ for embedded systems
• Python for automation and tooling
• JavaScript/TypeScript for UI development
• Shell scripting for build automation

Automotive Technologies

• AUTOSAR (Automotive Open System Architecture)
• CAN bus, LIN, and automotive networking
• MISRA C coding standards
• ISO 26262 functional safety
• ASPICE (Automotive SPICE) processes

Development Tools

• Vector CANoe/CANalyzer
• JTAG debuggers and emulators
• Git for version control
• Jenkins for CI/CD
• Docker for development environments

Achievements

Technical Contributions

• Delivered multiple software components on schedule
• Improved build time by 30% through optimization
• Reduced bug count by implementing comprehensive testing
• Created reusable libraries used across multiple projects

Process Improvements

• Introduced automated testing reducing manual testing time
• Documented best practices for team knowledge sharing
• Mentored new team members in automotive development
• Contributed to coding standards and guidelines

Learning & Growth

• Gained deep understanding of automotive software architecture
• Developed expertise in embedded systems programming
• Learned safety-critical software development practices
• Built professional network in automotive industry

Skills Developed

Technical Skills

• Embedded C/C++ programming
• Real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Automotive networking protocols
• Safety-critical software development
• Hardware-software integration
• Performance optimization

Automotive Domain Knowledge

• Vehicle architecture and systems
• Automotive software standards (AUTOSAR, MISRA)
• Functional safety (ISO 26262)
• Automotive development processes (ASPICE)
• ECU (Electronic Control Unit) programming

Software Engineering

• Requirements analysis and specification
• Software architecture and design
• Code review and quality assurance
• Testing strategies (unit, integration, system)
• Documentation and technical writing

Professional Skills

• Cross-functional team collaboration
• Agile development methodologies
• Technical communication
• Problem-solving in complex systems
• Time management and prioritization

Challenges & Solutions

Challenge: Real-time Performance Requirements

Solution: Profiled code to identify bottlenecks, optimized critical paths, and implemented efficient algorithms meeting strict timing requirements.

Challenge: Hardware Integration Issues

Solution: Developed systematic debugging approach using logic analyzers and oscilloscopes to isolate hardware-software interface problems.

Challenge: Safety Compliance

Solution: Studied ISO 26262 standards, implemented required documentation, and followed safety-critical development processes rigorously.

Challenge: Complex Automotive Standards

Solution: Created internal documentation and knowledge base to help team understand and apply AUTOSAR and MISRA standards effectively.

Industry Insights

This experience provided valuable insights into:

• The unique challenges of automotive software development
• The critical importance of safety and reliability in vehicles
• How traditional automotive companies are adapting to software-driven innovation
• The convergence of automotive and tech industries
• Future trends in mobility and autonomous driving

Impact on Career

Working at VolksWagen SEA:ME significantly influenced my career trajectory:

• Developed deep technical skills in embedded systems
• Learned to work in highly regulated, safety-critical environments
• Gained appreciation for rigorous engineering processes
• Built confidence in handling complex technical challenges
• Confirmed my passion for infrastructure and DevOps engineering

Reflection

This experience taught me:

• The value of systematic approaches to complex problems
• How to balance innovation with safety and compliance
• The importance of thorough testing and validation
• How to contribute effectively to large, structured teams
• The critical role of documentation in engineering

These lessons continue to inform my work in DevOps, where reliability, automation, and systematic processes are essential to building robust infrastructure and deployment pipelines.