Embedded Software Engineer - Drive Systems

AI Chopping Block; Northern, Foster City (KY, CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoox is seeking an embedded software engineer to join our Firmware Drive Systems team. You will design and implement real-time embedded software for autonomous trajectory execution, translating plans into drive-control commands and ensuring safety of ECUs.

You will build SIL/HIL infrastructure, work with CAN/LIN networks, and collaborate across Motion & Controls, Vehicle Dynamics, and Validation to deliver a reliable, highly automated driving system.

Qualifications

• Real-time embedded software development experience in distributed electro-mechanical systems.
• Strong C/C++ programming and Python for testing.
• Familiarity with automotive ECUs and CAN/LIN protocols.

Responsibilities

• Build and contribute to SIL/HIL infrastructure for drive control software.
• Develop embedded software for autonomous trajectory execution and translate trajectories into actuator commands.
• Contribute to control source arbitration and safety monitoring across ECUs.
• Integrate supplier subsystems into Zoox software stack.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enable a safe, automated driving experience.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Python for test

Real-time embedded systems

CAN/LIN

Embedded safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical/Computer Engineering or robotics

Tools

QNX

SafeRTOS

FreeRTOS

Polarion

MISRA C/C++

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