Software Engineer - Mission Planning

Lever, Inc.; Foster City (CA); Hybrid; USD 163,000 - 263,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoox is seeking an engineer for the Mission Planner team to design high-level routes for autonomous vehicles in dynamic urban environments. You will work with Cloud Services, decision-making, trajectory planning, and controls teams to enable real-time routing and adaptation.

The role emphasizes implementing mission planner algorithms (graph search, planning) in C++, testing on the robot, and collaborating across teams to shape technical direction.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field.
• Programming skills in C++
• Understanding and experience with a variety of graph search techniques (A*, D*, Dijkstra …)
• Model real-world problems using Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) or related frameworks
• Develop scalable solutions for sequential decision-making under uncertainty and constraints
• Demonstrated ability to write code for a shipped product (commercial robotics, drones, consumer devices, automotive)
• Bonus Qualifications: PhD in computer science or related field
• Experience with autonomous robots

Responsibilities

• Develop mission planner algorithms, including graph search and integration with behavioral planning
• Integrate and test your developed applications in the robot, learn and make improvements.
• Work collaboratively with passionate team members to support the integration of software components from all teams throughout Zoox.
• Set the short and long term technical direction for the team and collaborate on the broader company-wide directions
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives with other teams across Mission Planning, Behavioral Planning and Cloud Services.

Skills

C++

Graph search

MDPs

Sequential decisions

Shipped product

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science, Robotics, or related field

Job description

The Mission Planner team at Zoox is responsible for creating high-level routes for our autonomous vehicles to transport passengers to their destinations. You will work closely with our Cloud Services team to facilitate pick-up and drop-off requests, along with live traffic data among other inputs. You will also integrate closely with the decision-making and trajectory planning and controls teams to allow dynamic planning. This team will enable the core ability for our vehicles to choose the best routes through cities and adapt in real-time.

We are seeking an engineer who is passionate about tackling the complexities of mission planning in dynamic cities. You should be driven to contribute innovative solutions to architecture and design and take responsibility for significant software components. If you like to work close to the robot platform and enjoy experiencing your developed software in the robot, we would like to hear from you.

In this role, you will:

• Develop mission planner algorithms, including graph search and integration with behavioral planning
• Integrate and test your developed applications in the robot, learn and make improvements.
• Work collaboratively with passionate team members to support the integration of software components from all teams throughout Zoox.
• Set the short and long term technical direction for the team and collaborate on the broader company-wide directions
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives with other teams across Mission Planning, Behavioral Planning and Cloud Services.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field and 2+ years of industry experience
• Programming skills in C++
• Understanding and experience with a variety of graph search techniques (A*, D*, Dijkstra …)
• Model real-world problems using Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) or related frameworks
• Develop scalable solutions for sequential decision-making under uncertainty and constraints
• Demonstrated ability to write code for a shipped product (commercial robotics, drones, consumer devices, automotive)

Bonus Qualifications

• PhD in computer science or related field
• Experience with autonomous robots

$163,000 - $263,000 a year

Base Salary Range

There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.

Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.

About Zoox

Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We’re looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast-moving and highly execution-oriented team.

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Accommodations

If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to [e-mail] or your assigned recruiter.

A Final Note:

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Zoox, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.