Senior Autonomy Systems Engineer – ODD Characterization

Torcrobotics; Michigan; On-site; USD 153,200 - 183,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation with bonuses

100% paid medical, dental, and vision premiums

401K plan with 6% employer match

Generous paid vacation

Job summary

Torcrobotics is seeking a Senior Autonomy Systems Engineer to lead characteristics of Operating Design Domains (ODD) by analyzing extensive datasets. The ideal candidate will leverage data across mapping, simulation, and real-world logs to drive system-level decisions, ensuring the safety and reliability of our autonomous systems.

This role demands strong technical depth in Python and experience with cloud data systems, as well as cross-functional collaboration skills.

The compensation for this position ranges from $153,200 to $183,800 USD annually, reflecting competitive market rates.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in autonomy, robotics, or distributed systems.
• Experience processing large datasets from cloud environments.
• Ability to translate data insights into system-level requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead ODD characterization by analyzing large datasets.
• Define strategies for leveraging map data and telemetry.
• Design Python workflows to analyze cloud data.

Skills

Data-driven system design

Autonomy workflows

Large-scale data analysis

Python proficiency

Working with cloud data

System-level thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BS in Robotics, Computer Science, Systems Engineering or related field

Tools

AWS

GCP

Azure

Job description

About the Company

At Torc, we have always believed that autonomous vehicle technology will transform how we travel, move freight, and do business. A leader in autonomous driving since 2007, Torc has spent over a decade commercializing our solutions with experienced partners. Now a part of the Daimler family, we are focused solely on developing software for automated trucks to transform how the world moves freight. Join us and catapult your career with the company that helped pioneer autonomous technology, and the first AV software company with the vision to partner directly with a truck manufacturer.

Meet the Team

Join our SW Systems and Safety - Behaviors & Autonomy Team, where we operate at the intersection of safety, autonomy, data, and large-scale system design. Our team works across mapping, AI/ML, validation, and software engineering to define and evaluate the Operational Design Domain (ODD) and ensure our autonomous systems perform safely and reliably in the real world.

We are seeking a Senior Autonomy Systems Engineer with strong experience in data-driven system design, autonomy workflows, and large-scale data analysis. This role focuses on defining how we leverage data across mapping, simulation, and real-world logs to characterize operating environments, derive requirements, and guide system-level decisions.

This is a highly cross-functional role that blends systems thinking with hands‑on technical depth in Python, cloud data access, and autonomy data pipelines.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead ODD characterization efforts by analyzing large-scale datasets across real‑world, simulated, and mapped environments
• Define system-level strategies for leveraging map data (HD/SD), telemetry, and autonomy logs to assess operating conditions
• Design and implement Python-based workflows to extract, transform, and analyze data from cloud-based systems
• Work across internal and supplier-provided datasets (mapping, perception, vehicle data) to derive actionable insights
• Define KPIs and metrics that evaluate safety, performance, and release readiness of autonomy systems
• Translate data insights into system-level requirements, design decisions, and validation strategies
• Collaborate with mapping, perception, AI/ML, and validation teams to align on data usage and system behavior
• Drive technical direction across teams by connecting data, system architecture, and real-world performance
• Identify gaps in data, tooling, and system design and propose scalable solutions

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• BS + 6+ years, MS + 3+ years, or PhD + 1+ years in Robotics, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related field
• Strong experience working with autonomy, robotics, or large-scale distributed systems
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis, scripting, and system workflows
• Experience accessing and processing large datasets from cloud environments (AWS, GCP, Azure)
• Experience working with mapping systems (HD maps, SD maps, or similar structured spatial data)
• Strong system-level thinking and ability to translate data into design decisions
• Experience working cross-functionally with software, data, and systems teams
• Ability to operate in ambiguous environments and drive clarity through technical direction

Bonus Points

• Experience in autonomous vehicles or ADAS systems
• Familiarity with ODD frameworks, scenario generation, or 6-layer environment modeling
• Experience with safety frameworks (SOTIF, ISO 26262, AI safety)
• Experience working with large-scale data pipelines or distributed systems
• Exposure to simulation environments or autonomy validation workflows

Perks of Being a Full-time Torc’r

• A competitive compensation package that includes a bonus component and stock options
• 100% paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for full-time employees
• 401K plan with a 6% employer match
• Flexibility in schedule and generous paid vacation (available immediately after start date)
• AD+D and Life Insurance

At Torc, we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We celebrate the uniqueness of our Torc’rs and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, veteran status, or disabilities. Even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications listed for this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several geographic markets. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Torc's total compensation package will also include our corporate bonus and stock option plan. Depending on the position offered, sign‑on payments, relocation, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits.

Job ID: 102642

US Pay Range: $153,200 – $183,800 USD