Senior Software Systems Engineer - Autonomy Behavior and Metrics

Latitude; Pittsburgh, Palo Alto, Detroit (Allegheny County, CA, MI); On-site; USD 179,000 - 269,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid parental leave

Unlimited vacation

Job summary

Latitude AI is seeking a systems engineer to lead the autonomy software stack components, focused on behavior, planning, and verification. This role involves writing performance requirements, designing evaluation pipelines, and driving product readiness for launch.

You will collaborate across teams, develop metrics, and analyze test results while traveling to remote labs as needed. A strong background in robotics and programming is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
• Experience in motion planning, motion control, or robotics.
• Experience with analysis, metrics development, verification or validation of complex robotics systems.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead systems engineering of multiple Autonomy Behavior components.
• Write performance requirements for features considering nominal operations and environmental variations.
• Lead system-level performance analysis and build evaluation pipelines with defined targets.
• Develop metrics and dashboards for driving behavior and system performance to support decisions.
• Analyze test results and develop mitigations with key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Integration and Test to inform product readiness for launch.

Skills

Python

C++

Robotics

Motion planning

System verification

Communication

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Jira

Jama

Job description

Latitude AI (lat.ai) is building the future of Ford’s autonomy roadmap to make travel safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable for everyone. Bringing this vision to scale, our fully in-house developed hands-free ADAS platform will debut on the all-new Ford Fathom in 2027.

When you join the Latitude team, you’ll work alongside leading experts across machine learning and robotics, cloud platforms, mapping, sensors and compute systems, test operations, systems and safety engineering – all dedicated to redefining the relationship between people and their vehicles for millions of customers.

As a Ford Motor Company subsidiary, we operate independently to develop automated driving technology at the speed of a technology startup. Latitude is headquartered in Pittsburgh with engineering centers in Dearborn, Mich., and Palo Alto, Calif.

Meet the team:

The Latitude AI Systems Engineering team brings all the components of the autonomy stack together into a unified product. We work very closely with all cross functional teams to define the architecture, requirements, test plans, and test cases of the following features and functions:

• A suite of ADAS features at different levels of autonomy (L1, L2 and L3), such as Blind Spot, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Base Park Aid, Lane Keeping & Change Assist, ACC, L2 Hands-On and Hands-Free, L3 Eyes-Free
• Onboard (vehicle) and Offboard (cloud) autonomy functions of Mapping, Prediction and Motion Planning
• System level analysis and metrics evaluation

What you’ll do:

• Ownership (lead and execute) of the systems engineering of multiple Autonomy Behavior components of autonomy software stack
• Write requirements for the performance for a variety of features and the related functions considering nominal operations, vehicle and environmental variations, and operational domain bounding conditions
• Lead system level performance analysis and build evaluation pipelines. This would include designing metrics, defining targets, requiring novel research and ownership
• Develop innovative metrics and dashboards for driving behavior and/or system performance that support decisions, direct efforts, and provide clarity
• Analyze test results to identify performance and functional gaps in the system, working with key stakeholders to develop mitigations for these gaps
• Work closely with the Integration and Test team at Latitude to develop and execute the Design Verification Plan for our features to inform product readiness for launch
• Periodically get hands-on with the product and see the designs in action and to provide expert feedback/insight to relevant teams

What you'll need to succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field and 4+ years of relevant experience, Master's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience, or PhD.
• Experience in motion planning, motion control, or robotics
• Experience with analysis, metrics development, verification, or validation of complex robotics systems, preferably in autonomous applications
• Experience performing analyses and requirement formulation that inform decision making
• Experience using scientific methods for trade studies, testing, and problem solving. Familiarity with formal verification is a plus
• Experience programming in Python, C++ or similar
• Strong desire to learn new skills related to technology and software
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision
• Willingness to travel to remote offices and test facilities as needed

Nice to have:

• Experience with Jira or similar ticketing systems
• Comfortability using Jama or similar requirements management systems
• Familiarity with working in a fast paced environment

What we offer you:

• Competitive compensation packages
• High-quality individual and family medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health savings account with available employer match
• Employer-matched 401(k) retirement plan with immediate vesting
• Employer-paid group term life insurance and the option to elect voluntary life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid medical leave
• Unlimited vacation
• 15 paid holidays
• Daily lunches, snacks, and beverages available in all office locations
• Pre-tax spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Adoption/Surrogacy support program
• Backup child and elder care program
• Professional development reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• Discounted programs that include legal services, identity theft protection, pet insurance, and more
• Company and team bonding outlets: employee resource groups, quarterly team activity stipend, and wellness initiatives

Learn more about Latitude’s team, mission and career opportunities at lat.ai!

The expected base salary range for this full-time position in California is $179,200 - $268,800 USD. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Latitude employees are also eligible to participate in Latitude’s annual bonus programs, equity compensation, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.

Candidates for positions with Latitude AI must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status.