Software Engineer, Runtime & C++ Middleware

PlusAI; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

PlusAI in Santa Clara is looking for an experienced Software Engineer to develop and optimize the core infrastructure for autonomous driving systems. This role involves designing low-latency communication, implementing memory allocators, and optimizing system performance. Candidates should possess a BS in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, along with strong skills in C++ development and Linux tools. The salary range is competitive, with compensation influenced by qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Solid hands-on coding experience using C++14 or later.
• Strong understanding of Linux development tools.
• Ability to identify, propose, and implement solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize low-latency interprocess communication.
• Implement safety-enhanced memory allocators.
• Develop high-performance event logging and structured telemetry.
• Optimize low-level OS interactions and fine-tune system performance.

Skills

C++14 or later

Linux development tools

Excellent communication skills

Proactive problem-solving mindset

Education

BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Job description

You will develop and optimize the core infrastructure that facilitates reliable, low-latency execution of on-vehicle robotics software. Your mission extends beyond building a rock-solid foundation for autonomous driving — you will also equip engineers with the tools needed to analyze system behavior, identify performance bottlenecks, and enhance robustness.

In this role, you will contribute to existing frameworks, libraries, and tools while also designing and implementing new components across various mission-critical domains.

Responsibilities:

• Design and optimize low-latency interprocess communication and data flow monitoring.
• Develop high-performance event logging and structured telemetry.
• Implement safety-enhanced memory allocators and efficient memory provisioning policies.
• Build lock-free data structures and algorithms to support real-time system requirements.
• Work on network communication and coherency protocols.
• Develop on-the-fly component health monitoring and rapid response mechanisms for critical events.
• Manage on-vehicle configurations and system state validation.
• Optimize low-level OS interactions and fine-tune system performance.
• Ensure that your work is performed in accordance with the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) requirements and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.
• Ensure team compliance with QMS, monitor quality, and drive process improvements.

Required Skills:

• BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Solid hands-on coding experience using C++14(or later)
• Strong understanding of Linux development tools, including build systems, compilers, debuggers, and performance analyzers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proactive problem-solving mindset: ability to identify, propose, and implement solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in writing, debugging, and profiling multithreaded C++ applications.
• Familiarity with robotics-related libraries such as ROS.
• Knowledge of real-time OS, database internals, network programming, GPGPU, or robotics.

Salary Range:

• $120,000 - $200,000 a year

Our compensations (cash and equity) are determined based on the position, your location, qualifications, and experience.