Embedded Software Engineer - Drive Systems

Posted Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
Foster City, CA, USA
Hybrid
137K-207K Annually
Junior
Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Transportation • Design • Manufacturing
Zoox is an autonomous mobility company that’s created a purpose-built robotaxi to give the world a better way to ride.
The Role
Develop and test safety-critical embedded software for autonomous vehicle drive systems. Translate trajectories into motor, brake, and steering commands; build simulation, SIL, and HIL validation infrastructure; integrate steering, braking, motoring, and suspension subsystems; implement control-source arbitration and safety monitoring; and collaborate with controls, dynamics, safety, and validation teams.
Summary Generated by Built In

Zoox is looking for an embedded software engineer to join our Firmware Drive Systems team. Drive Systems owns the critical path from autonomous trajectory to vehicle motion — taking a trajectory from our AI stack and translating it into drive control actuator commands (motor torques, brake torques, steering angles, and more), arbitrating between control sources (our nominal AI stack, in-house remote controller, and test sources like drive-by-wire and trajectory spoofing), and continuously monitoring the safety of trajectory execution and drive control ECUs. We are looking for people who are passionate about working with hardware and developing production-quality, safety-critical code for complex dynamic systems.

Drive Systems engineers literally make the robot move. Whether a Zoox robot is in service carrying riders, staging at a depot, undergoing critical testing on test tracks, or freshly off the assembly line, this team ensures it drives safely and reliably.

In this role, you will:

    • Build and contribute to simulation, emulation, SIL, and HIL infrastructure to validate drive control software

    • Design, develop, and test embedded software for autonomous trajectory execution, translating planned trajectories into drive control actuator commands (motor torque, brake torque, steering angle, and more)

    • Contribute to control source arbitration and safety monitoring across trajectory execution and drive control ECUs

    • Integrate supplier sub-systems (steering, motoring, braking, active suspension, and more) into the Zoox software stack

    • Work cross-functionally with Motion & Controls, Vehicle Dynamics, Safety Systems, Validation, and other partner teams to deliver a seamless, highly-automated driving experience

Qualifications

    • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent experience

    • 1-3 years of experience developing real-time embedded software for distributed electro-mechanical systems and the simulation and test infrastructure for such systems

    • Strong embedded C/C++ programming experience and experience with Python for test

    • Experience with QNX, SafeRTOS, FreeRTOS, or similar embedded operating systems

    • Understanding of automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN) and sensor/actuator integration

Bonus Qualifications

    • Experience with CAN/LIN analysis and debugging tools (PCAN, CANalyzer, CANape, etc.)

    • Familiarity with high-assurance development practices and tools (Polarion, ISO-26262, MISRA C/C++, etc.)

    • Hands-on experience with hardware bring-up, system debugging, or SIL/HIL test infrastructure

Compensation
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. 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.
 

Skills Required

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent experience
  • 1–3 years of experience developing real-time embedded software for distributed electromechanical systems and related simulation and test infrastructure
  • Strong embedded C and C++ programming experience
  • Python experience for testing
  • Experience with QNX, SafeRTOS, FreeRTOS, or a similar embedded operating system
  • Understanding of automotive CAN and LIN communication protocols and sensor/actuator integration
  • Experience with CAN/LIN analysis and debugging tools such as PCAN, CANalyzer, or CANape
  • Familiarity with high-assurance development practices and tools including Polarion, ISO 26262, or MISRA C/C++
  • Hands-on experience with hardware bring-up, system debugging, or SIL/HIL test infrastructure

Zoox Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Zoox and has not been reviewed or approved by Zoox.

  • Healthcare Strength Healthcare is extensive, with broad medical and vision options, company‑paid disability coverage, and multiple mental‑health resources. Feedback suggests coverage breadth and auxiliary programs support a wide range of needs.
  • Parental & Family Support Family supports include paid parental leave, additional pregnancy disability time, fertility coverage, and adoption/surrogacy assistance. Backup care and family‑oriented programs further reinforce support across life stages.
  • Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits Day‑to‑day perks are robust, including free daily meals, fitness subsidies, commuter support, and on‑site amenities. Feedback suggests these lifestyle benefits enhance convenience and workplace experience, especially for office‑based roles.

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The Company
HQ: Foster City, CA
2,900 Employees
Year Founded: 2014

What We Do

Zoox is an autonomous mobility company that was founded to provide a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable future on the road. To achieve that goal, the company has spent the past 10 years creating a purpose-built robotaxi that gives the world a better way to ride.

Why Work With Us

At Zoox, we are working to solve one of the greatest technological challenges of our generation. From the beginning, we have been focused on our goal of reimagining transportation from the ground up. We are a mission-driven community of innovators working together to create a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable future on the road.

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