Embedded Software Engineer - Drive Systems

Zoox; Northern, Foster City (KY, CA); Hybrid; USD 137,000 - 207,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock Options

RSUs

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Zoox is seeking an embedded software engineer for our Firmware Drive Systems team. You will develop and validate real-time embedded software that translates autonomous trajectories into drive commands, while ensuring safety of trajectory execution and ECUs.

You will build simulation and test infrastructure (SIL/HIL), integrate subsystems, and work with cross-functional teams to deliver a safe, automated driving experience.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Robotics or equivalent experience.
• Strong embedded C/C++ and Python for tests.
• Experience with real-time embedded software for distributed electro-mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with automotive protocols CAN/LIN and sensor/actuator integration.
• Experience with safety-critical development practices is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Build and contribute to simulation, emulation, SIL, and HIL infrastructure.
• Design, develop, and test embedded software for autonomous trajectory execution.
• Contribute to control source arbitration and safety monitoring.
• Integrate supplier subsystems into the Zoox software stack.
• Collaborate across Motion & Controls, Vehicle Dynamics, and Safety Systems teams.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Python for test

Real-time embedded software

CAN/LIN protocols

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent

Tools

QNX

SafeRTOS/FreeRTOS

Polarion

CANalyzer/CANape

Job description

Zoox is looking for an embedded software engineer to join our Firmware Drive Systems team. Drive Systems owns the critical path from autonomous trajectory to vehicle motion — taking a trajectory from our AI stack and translating it into drive control actuator commands (motor torques, brake torques, steering angles, and more), arbitrating between control sources (our nominal AI stack, in-house remote controller, and test sources like drive-by-wire and trajectory spoofing), and continuously monitoring the safety of trajectory execution and drive control ECUs. We are looking for people who are passionate about working with hardware and developing production-quality, safety-critical code for complex dynamic systems.

Drive Systems engineers literally make the robot move. Whether a Zoox robot is in service carrying riders, staging at a depot, undergoing critical testing on test tracks, or freshly off the assembly line, this team ensures it drives safely and reliably.

In this role, you will:

• Build and contribute to simulation, emulation, SIL, and HIL infrastructure to validate drive control software
• Design, develop, and test embedded software for autonomous trajectory execution, translating planned trajectories into drive control actuator commands (motor torque, brake torque, steering angle, and more)
• Contribute to control source arbitration and safety monitoring across trajectory execution and drive control ECUs
• Integrate supplier sub-systems (steering, motoring, braking, active suspension, and more) into the Zoox software stack
• Work cross-functionally with Motion & Controls, Vehicle Dynamics, Safety Systems, Validation, and other partner teams to deliver a seamless, highly-automated driving experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent experience
• 1-3 years of experience developing real-time embedded software for distributed electro-mechanical systems and the simulation and test infrastructure for such systems
• Strong embedded C/C++ programming experience and experience with Python for test
• Experience with QNX, SafeRTOS, FreeRTOS, or similar embedded operating systems
• Understanding of automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN) and sensor/actuator integration

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAN/LIN analysis and debugging tools (PCAN, CANalyzer, CANape, etc.)
• Familiarity with high-assurance development practices and tools (Polarion, ISO-26262, MISRA C/C++, etc.)
• Hands-on experience with hardware bring-up, system debugging, or SIL/HIL test infrastructure

$137,000 - $207,000 a year

Compensation

There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.

Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.