Part-Time Student Worker – Firmware Engineer (FW Thermal/Body)

Zoox; Northern, San Diego (KY, CA); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Part time

Job summary

Zoox is seeking a motivated Firmware Engineer student worker to join our team, focusing on diagnostic services for the thermal and body systems. This role offers ownership of foundational projects and the full firmware development lifecycle for our robot software.

You will design diagnostics for autonomous vehicle software, build embedded software for body/thermal/lighting/door systems, and collaborate across system, software, hardware, and test teams to validate requirements.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in modern C++ for firmware development.
• Experience with Python programming.
• Experience with embedded micro-controllers and/or microprocessors (ARM, PowerPC).
• Basic knowledge of control systems for electromechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Work on the development of diagnostics for autonomous vehicle software, ensuring robust fault detection, reactions, and serviceability
• Design, develop, and test embedded software for body, thermal, lighting, and door functions of the Zoox vehicle
• Contribute to all phases of the software development cycle including prototyping, requirements capture, design, implementation, and validation
• Collaborate with system, software, hardware, and test engineers to define, implement, and validate diagnostic requirements

Skills

C++ firmware

Python

Embedded systems

Control systems

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/CE/EE

Tools

CAN

LIN

ARM

Job description

About Zoox

Zoox is transforming mobility with fully autonomous, electric vehicles designed from the ground up for a driverless future. Our mission is to make transportation safer, more sustainable, and accessible to everyone. At Zoox, innovation, collaboration, and a bold vision for the future drive everything we do.

About Our Part Time Student Worker Program

Zoox’s program offers hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge technology, mentorship from some of the industry’s brightest minds, and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to real projects. We seek part time student workers who demonstrate strong academic performance, engagement beyond the classroom, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine interest in Zoox’s mission.

Project Overview

Zoox is seeking a motivated Firmware Engineer student worker to join our team, focusing on diagnostic services for the thermal and body systems. This is an opportunity to own highly-visible, foundational projects where you will extend our existing diagnostic infrastructure. You will work on the full development cycle of robot firmware development.

In this role, you will:

• Work on the development of diagnostics for autonomous vehicle software, ensuring robust fault detection, reactions, and serviceability
• Design, develop, and test embedded software for body, thermal, lighting, and door functions of the Zoox vehicle
• Contribute to all phases of the software development cycle including prototyping, requirements capture, design, implementation, and validation
• Collaborate with system, software, hardware, and test engineers to define, implement, and validate diagnostic requirements

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or equivalent experience
• Proficiency in modern C++ for firmware development
• Experience with Python programming
• Experience with embedded micro-controllers and/or microprocessors (ARM, PowerPC)
• Basic knowledge of control systems for electromechanical systems

Bonus Qualifications:

• Familiarity with C++ unit testing principles and framework such as gtest
• Hands‑on experience with hardware bring‑up and system debugging
• Understanding of sensors and actuators and automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN)

Program Requirements:

• Currently pursuing a B.S. or M.S., in a relevant engineering field
• Available for a 6 month project
• Able to commit to at least 20 hours per week
• Ability to commute on‑site to one of our offices
• Student Worker may not use proprietary Zoox information in university theses, publications, or share it outside

$30 per hour.

This is a contract position and employment for this position will be through a vendor contracted with Zoox. The hourly pay range is posted and you will be eligible for a benefits package as offered by the vendor.