Embedded Software Engineer - Drive Systems at Zoox · Hybrid…

Mid LevelRemoteFull-timeHybrid remote in Foster City, CA

Job Description

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.