Principal Engineer, Embedded, Sensors, and Safety Software

Outrider; Henderson (TX); On-site; USD 165,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Relocation assistance

Health Insurance

Dental insurance

Vision Insurance

Parental Leave

401(K) Retirement

HSA

Job summary

Outrider, the pioneer in autonomous yard operations, seeks a Principal Engineer, Embedded, Sensors, and Safety Software to build safe, reliable software for sensing, monitoring, and controlling autonomous yard vehicles. You will shape the software lifecycle, contribute to a SaaS model, and lead test infrastructure for complex hardware-based systems.

You will collaborate with hardware, safety, and test teams, develop automated test solutions, and mentor others while advancing zero-emission

Qualifications

• Experience building software test infrastructure for safety-critical systems.
• Strong system-level perspective with hardware and software integration knowledge.
• Proficiency in Python and C/C++ for embedded systems.
• Experience with REST APIs and networks (UDP/TCP/DNS) and Wireshark.
• Experience with perception sensors (RADAR/LIDAR/cameras) and safety-related hardware.
• Experience in Linux environments and full software development lifecycle.
• Background in containerized development and development workflows (Git, CI/CD).
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field.

Responsibilities

• Build the Software and System Test Infrastructure for safety-critical platforms.
• Develop high-quality, scalable software for embedded control units, actuators, and sensors.
• Triage issues with root cause analysis using system context and logs.
• Collaborate with hardware, safety, and test teams to meet KPIs and targets.
• Develop, test, and maintain test solutions for CI/CD integration (HIL).
• Lead and mentor the software/systems safety initiatives within the team.

Skills

Python

C programming

Modern C++

Linux development

REST APIs

Git

CI/CD pipelines

Embedded software

CAN & networking

Perception sensors

AI coding tools

Embedded containers

ROS/ROS2

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering

Bachelor’s degree in computer science

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

ROS/ROS2

Docker

Kubernetes

Git

CI/CD tooling

Job description

The Company

Outrider, the pioneer in autonomous yard operations for logistics hubs, helps large enterprises improve safety and increase efficiency. The only company exclusively focused on automating all aspects of yard operations, Outrider eliminates manual tasks that are hazardous and repetitive. Outrider’s mission is to drive the rapid adoption of sustainable freight transportation by deploying zero-emission systems. Outrider is a private company backed by NEA, 8VC, Koch Disruptive Technologies, and other top-tier investors. For more information, visit www.outrider.ai.

The Role

The Principal Engineer, Embedded, Sensors, and Safety Software will create reliable, safety-critical software that senses, monitors, and controls the vehicle. This role requires exceptional software engineering skills, full development lifecycle knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in unstructured environments.

Successful candidates have a demonstrated technical track record in designing and implementing robust Software Test Infrastructure for complex hardware-based systems, bringing an exceptional system-level perspective and proficiency in software.

This role is mission-critical for helping deliver and scale a safety-critical system for industrial automation. The opportunity offers a technical, hands‑on team member the chance to help develop a market‑defining enterprise product that combines autonomous vehicle technology with a software‑as‑a‑service (SaaS) business model.

The ideal candidate will embrace our goal to drive zero‑emission, self‑driving vehicle adoption, and help us realize our potential to define, build, and lead a new category of robotic automation for the enterprise.

Duties & Key Objectives

• Build the Software and System Test Infrastructure

  • Design, implement, and deliver test solutions for components and integrated systems to meet quality, repeatability, and schedule milestones
  • Upgrade and maintain existing test solutions
  • Develop test cases to test software requirements at different levels of the development lifecycle (inc. HIL)
  • Integrate test solutions for continuous integration/continuous development
  • Develop, implement, and deliver automated characterization and calibration solutions for new and existing components, including perception sensors.

• Develop high-quality, scalable software

  • Triage issues and perform root cause analysis using system context, user observations, and log data
  • Coordinate with hardware, system safety, and test teams to iterate on system performance and hit targets, metrics, and KPIs
  • Support product deployment, system maintenance, and the software development lifecycle for customer sites and system validation
  • Identify opportunities to improve deployed systems based on data
  • Address issues by developing software in C and C++ (from simple patch to feature re‑architecture)
  • Develop embedded C software for control units, actuators, and sensors interfaced with the base vehicle

• Deliver experiments to validate hypotheses, evaluate system performance and design changes, and support engineering decisions

• Provide technical leadership and mentor team on software and system safety

• Demonstrated bias for action, strong leadership and a continuous improvement mindset

• Contribute to Outrider’s growth and a culture of responsible zero‑emission autonomous vehicle deployment

• Outrider may require additional or different tasks as needed

Required Qualifications

• Experience developing software test infrastructure for safety‑critical systems
• Exceptional system‑level perspective, proficient in software, with practical familiarity in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
• Proficiency in Python
• Experience developing application software in C and Modern C++ for embedded systems
• Experience with test lab equipment (e.g. oscilloscope, data acquisition unit, signal generator…)
• Experience with CAN and networking (UDP, TCP, DHCP, DNS, Wireshark…)
• Professional experience using perception sensors (e.g RADARs, LIDARs, cameras…), GPS, encoders and other safety significant hardware (e.g. safety interlock systems)
• Experience with REST APIs
• Familiarity with development containers
• Experience with Git and CI/CD pipelines
• Experience with AI coding tools and willingness to adopt AI‑assisted development workflows
• Background developing software in a Linux environment
• Proficiency across the full software development lifecycle
• Exceptional analytical skills
• Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field

Ideal Qualifications

• Experience scaling a fleet of autonomous vehicles or mobile robots
• Experience working with ROS or ROS2
• Experience using IBM ELM/DOORS (inc. external integrations)
• Familiarity with functional safety specifications, including ISO 26262 and IEC 61508
• Master’s degree in computer engineering or computer science

Comp & Benefits

• Salary range of $165,000 - $190,000.

  • Actual compensation is based on several factors, including but not limited to job‑related skills, qualifications, experience, and specific work location due to differences in the cost of labor. In addition to a base salary, this role is also eligible for benefits, and equity bonus.

• Equity: equity package commensurate on experience and skills

• Relocation assistance

• Health Insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Parental Leave

• 401(K) Retirement

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Short‑Term Disability

• Long–Term Disability

• Life insurance

• Pet insurance

• Mental health benefits

• Professional Development Benefits

Please note: At this time, we are only hiring candidates who are currently authorized to work in the United States and reside within the U.S. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship or support international employment arrangements for this role.