How can I bridge the gap from Java/Angular to automotive software?

One simple way that might work is start hacking. Because it is a vast vast market with very diverse bespoke problems, there is a huge potential for small "bicycle-size" [1] improvements.

Sure it is not lead software engineer for Ferrari. But because people hire people they know, doing is your best route for meeting people. And when people hire engineers, they also consider their engineering wherewithal. Finally, if hacking automotive solutions does not appeal to you, that may be a sign that current job escape is more motivating than the specific career switch.

[1] bicycle-size problems are problems an engineer can solve working alone from Andrew Ritchie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Ritchie_(Brompton_found...