Principal Engineer, Embedded Vehicle Software

EngineersOfAI; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayve is building the next generation of autonomous driving technology. As Principal Engineer, Embedded Software Architecture, you will be the hands-on technical leader who defines and leads the architecture of our vehicle software platform, powering the AI systems that bring autonomy to life.

You will work with the most advanced embedded compute platforms from NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and other leading partners, shaping how operating systems, middleware, and hardware abstraction layers integrate to

Qualifications

• Seasoned systems architect with deep roots in embedded software.
• Experience collaborating across AI, platform, and vehicle teams.
• Proven ability to drive architecture decisions and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Design and evolve the embedded software architecture for Wayve’s next-generation autonomy platform.
• Develop and guide hands-on prototypes and reference implementations that demonstrate key architectural decisions.
• Analyze and optimize system performance, reliability, and scalability across the embedded stack.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal AI, platform, and vehicle systems teams, and with external partners including NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and OEMs.
• Drive the adoption of modern development practices, tools, and standards for high-assurance embedded software.
• Mentor senior engineers through technical reviews and joint design work — leading through technical depth and influence, not headcount.
• Represent Wayve as the principal technical voice in discussions with partners and customers on software and hardware architecture.

Skills

Embedded systems

C/C++

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

NVIDIA platforms

Qualcomm automotive platforms

Job description

About us

Founded in 2017, Wayve is the leading developer of Embodied AI technology. Our advanced AI software and foundation models enable vehicles to perceive, understand, and navigate any complex environment, enhancing the usability and safety of automated driving systems.

Our vision is to create autonomy that propels the world forward. Our intelligent, mapless, and hardware-agnostic AI products are designed for automakers, accelerating the transition from assisted to automated driving. In our fast-paced environment big problems ignite us—we embrace uncertainty, leaning into complex challenges to unlock groundbreaking solutions. We aim high and stay humble in our pursuit of excellence, constantly learning and evolving as we pave the way for a smarter, safer future.

At Wayve, your contributions matter. We value diversity, embrace new perspectives, and foster an inclusive work environment; we back each other to deliver impact.

Make Wayve the experience that defines your career!

The role

Wayve is building the next generation of autonomous driving technology: intelligent, adaptable, and software-defined. As Principal Engineer, Embedded Software Architecture, you will be the hands‑on technical leader who defines and leads the architecture of our vehicle software platform, powering the AI systems that bring autonomy to life.

You will work with the most advanced embedded compute platforms from NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and other leading partners, defining how our operating systems, middleware, and hardware abstraction layers come together to enable scalable, efficient, and safe vehicle software.

This is a deeply technical role where you’ll stay close to the code, prototype solutions, review critical components, and directly influence system performance and reliability. You will also shape technical direction across teams and act as a senior representative of Wayve in external technical discussions with OEM and silicon partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and evolve the embedded software architecture for Wayve’s next-generation autonomy platform.

• Develop and guide hands‑on prototypes and reference implementations that demonstrate key architectural decisions.

• Analyze and optimize system performance, reliability, and scalability across the embedded stack.

• Collaborate cross‑functionally with internal AI, platform, and vehicle systems teams, and with external partners including NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and OEMs.

• Drive the adoption of modern development practices, tools, and standards for high‑assurance embedded software.

• Mentor senior engineers through technical reviews and joint design work — leading through technical depth and influence, not headcount.

• Represent Wayve as the principal technical voice in discussions with partners and customers on software and hardware architecture.

About you

You are a seasoned systems architect with deep technical roots in embedded software