Senior System Test Engineer, Perception

Waymo; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 196,000 - 242,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity incentives

Benefits package

Job summary

Waymo is seeking a systems/QA engineer to advance test strategies for autonomous driving. You will design metrics and simulated scenarios for AV testing across multiple platforms and enable automation at scale.

The role requires an advanced degree or equivalent experience, expertise in robotics software, ML fundamentals, and strong Python/SQL skills. Collaboration across teams and a hybrid work model are expected.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Engineering, CS, Robotics, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience with software development for robotics or software verification and validation for safety-critical or high reliability systems.
• Strong grasp of Machine Learning fundamentals and applied statistical concepts.
• Experience in data analysis/modeling or software engineering using Python and SQL.
• Solid written and verbal communication and experience contributing to projects spanning across multiple disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Develop test strategies and new methodologies to support rapid scaling and rare, but critical, edge cases
• Design and implement metrics, test plans, and simulated scenarios for testing the autonomous vehicle in off-nominal situations, such as after a fault occurs or when remote assistance is needed, across multiple platforms and in support of rapid commercialization
• Write reusable, high quality, software for analyzing simulation test results and be an enabler and advocate for automation at scale
• Lead cross-functionally to unblock development of scalable multi-platform testing, working with partner teams who develop the simulator or code running onboard the AV
• Use your knowledge of autonomous vehicles, engineering and test strategy development to review and provide feedback on system requirements and feature validation plans

Skills

Robotics software

Software verification

Python

SQL

Machine Learning basics

Communication

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

C++ experience

Education

Advanced degree in Engineering/CS/Robotics

Tools

C++

Job description

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver—The World's Most Experienced Driver™—to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo’s fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.

Waymo's Systems Engineering team works together to blend software and hardware systems in groundbreaking new ways. We set the high performance standards that ensure our vehicles run smoothly and keep passengers safe, then design and perform the tests that validate that performance. We're looking for talented teammates who’ll help us maintain strong teamwork and are passionate about driving results.

This role follows a hybrid work schedule and reports to the Technical Lead Manager, Perception Test Engineering.

You will:

• Develop test strategies and new methodologies to support rapid scaling and rare, but critical, edge cases

• Design and implement metrics, test plans, and simulated scenarios for testing the autonomous vehicle in off-nominal situations, such as after a fault occurs or when remote assistance is needed, across multiple platforms and in support of rapid commercialization

• Write reusable, high quality, software for analyzing simulation test results and be an enabler and advocate for automation at scale

• Lead cross-functionally to unblock development of scalable multi-platform testing, working with partner teams who develop the simulator or code running onboard the AV

• Use your knowledge of autonomous vehicles, engineering and test strategy development to review and provide feedback on system requirements and feature validation plans

You have:

• An advanced degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or other relevant technical field OR equivalent practical experience involving perception or robotic systems

• Experience with software development for robotics OR experience with software verification and validation for software running on robotic, safety critical or high reliability systems

• Strong grasp of Machine Learning fundamentals and applied statistical concepts

• Experience in data analysis/modeling or software engineering using Python and SQL

• Solid written and verbal communication and experience contributing to projects spanning across multiple disciplines

We prefer:

• 8+ years of Engineering experience (graduate school and industry experience both count)

• Experience in autonomous vehicles, robotics, assisted driving technology, or other safety critical or high reliability system

• Experience leading cross-team initiatives, including coordinating with external vendors or partners to deliver high-impact solutions

• Experience using C++

Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo’s discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.

Salary Range

$196,000—$242,000 USD