The team in Portland are helping to develop cutting-edge connectivity and autonomous technologies

JLR opened its technology hub in Portland in 2014, a location chosen for its proximity to California and Seattle, and tech giants such as Amazon, NVIDIA, Apple and Google. The facility grew in 2016 and 2017, and was expanded further in 2024..

Over the coming decade, the company will invest around $180 million into the 50,000 sq. ft technology hub as its engineers develop a range of cutting-edge connectivity and autonomous technologies, as vehicles become increasingly software-driven and clients desire an increasing array of apps, services and features.

The team at Portland is also working on elements of car connectivity to provide a modern luxury driving experience, including augmented reality on the car’s parking and head up displays, enabling the driver’s phone to act as a key, and V2X systems enabling cars to talk to each other.

To date, engineers at Portland have played an important role in developing the on-board electrical system ‘EVA2’ found in millions of JLR vehicles like Range Rover and Defender, autonomous driving ADAS systems, driver aids such as parking cameras and integrating and connecting Amazon’s Alexa ecosystem into our vehicles.

The team at Portland is part of JLR’s global network of nine JLR technology hubs around the world engaged in creating the company’s next generation vehicles, which will epitomise modern luxury and deliver a fully connected experience for clients. Hear from Matt, a Lead Full Stack Developer based in Portland.

What is your role at JLR and how long have you worked here?

Hi! My name is Matt Rose, and I am a Lead Full Stack Software Engineer. I’ll celebrate 10 years at JLR in April. I have had many roles over the years. I was hired as a JavaScript developer shortly after the Portland office opened when the primary focus was getting HTML5 into the vehicles. I developed a number of proof-of-concept applications exploring the boundaries of what was possible with in-vehicle web technologies.

Our director at the time was aware of some of my previous experience with security systems, so I was also given a "side project" of standing up the physical security systems for the office. I designed and managed the installation of our access control systems and security cameras at both our second and third buildings. My second year was spent managing the development of our vehicle simulator program where, in addition to managing development, I hosted demonstrations to visiting technology companies, news media organizations, as well as venues like the Portland International Auto Show. I am proud to have been awarded a patent for some of our work related to that program. I also spent time loaned out as an engineer to some of our business accelerator/incubator companies and really enjoyed exploring various ways to introduce new and innovative technologies into the vehicle. There were various other projects along the way but by my fifth year I was able to really focus my energy on in-vehicle web app development when the Connected Services applications were being developed for PIVI, our in-vehicle infotainment system. Since then, I have been honing my craft and growing through various leadership roles.

 
Tell us about your background before JLR.

I think it's fair to say that I’ve had a very unconventional journey to becoming a software engineer at JLR. The first part of my professional life was spent in law enforcement as a Deputy Sheriff. I really enjoyed the work because I am passionate about serving my community. During my years on patrol, I discovered that I was equally passionate about technology and was always tinkering with ways to enhance the technology in my patrol car. That was a long time ago when technology was very rudimentary. Years later, I would find the perfect intersection of technology and mobility in JLR.

After leaving law enforcement, I had a short stint at a gaming start up, but I really wanted to be immersed in technological excellence. I took a big risk and, after enduring a gruelling five-month-long application process, I went to work at Pixar Animation Studios. The timing of my work there was serendipitous because I had a front row seat to, among many other things, Steve Jobs announcing to the world that Flash was dead and HTML5 was the future. That day I started teaching myself HTML5 and web technologies and never looked back.

 
Tell us more about the Portland office.

We are fortunate in Portland to have access to world-class talent in the digital product space - from visual and user experience design and research to software engineering, automation, and quality. We have industry leaders working to elevate our place in the automotive technology space every day. We've grown through three previous physical locations and now have a beautiful new building to call home. 

 
What do you focus on in Portland? 
From a day-to-day perspective, our focus is design/user-experience and software engineering. Our current efforts are aimed at capacity building by developing platforms and future technology enablers. However, to leave it at that would be reductive. In my opinion, our real strategic business value lies in evangelizing to the rest of the business the best practices developed and perfected by the experts in our respective fields.

What's the most exciting thing you've worked on?
It's difficult to nail it down to just one thing. I worked on the first phone-as-a-key POC back in 2016. I would be lying if I said it wasn't exciting to get the patent for a novel autonomous driving related concept. But if I had to choose one, it would be an idea that I am currently working on and have been developing for the past several months. It is a very ambitious project that may never see the light of day - but if it does, it will be fantastic. Stay tuned!
 
What does the next few years look like for you?

As I previously mentioned, I think we could add incredible value to the business by integrating our thought leadership and practices throughout the organization. So, in addition to looking for ways to exploit technological breakthroughs, I would like to continue developing relationships across the business to build tighter cooperation.