Principal Software Engineer - Autonomy Behaviors at Zoox

Foster City, California, United States

Zoox Logo
$375,000 – $475,000Compensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Autonomous Vehicles, Robotics, AIIndustries

Requirements

  • BS, MS, or PhD degree in computer science or related field
  • Proven track record of technical leadership in large-scale AI organizations
  • Significant experience with training and deploying Deep Learning models to production
  • Fluency in C++ or Fluency in Python with a basic understanding of C++
  • Extensive experience with programming and algorithm design
  • Strong mathematics skills
  • 10+ years of experience
  • Bonus Qualifications
  • Conference or Journal publications in Machine Learning or Robotics related venues
  • Prior experience with Prediction and Planning for autonomous vehicles

Responsibilities

  • Set the technical direction of ML development for the future of our Planner
  • Push the frontiers of imitation learning, reinforcement learning, and model scaling to develop new ML models for our onboard Planner
  • Identify and drive force-multipliers for ML development, including metrics, data, and training frameworks
  • Develop new methods to leverage Zoox’s Foundation Models into the ML Planner
  • Provide technical mentorship to the broader group of ML developers at Zoox
  • Collaborate with engineers across Autonomy Software, Simulation, System Design and Mission Assurance, and other departments to solve the overall Autonomous Driving problem in complex urban environments

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Machine LearningDeep LearningImitation LearningReinforcement LearningPythonC++Foundation ModelsML TrainingAlgorithm DesignMathematics

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for this Principal Software Engineer role?

The base salary range is $375,000 - $475,000 a year. Compensation also includes Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, and possibly a sign-on bonus, varying by location, level, experience, and interview performance.

What benefits does Zoox offer for this position?

Zoox offers a comprehensive benefits package including paid time off (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.

Is this role remote or does it require working in an office?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What are the key qualifications and skills required for this position?

Candidates need a BS, MS, or PhD in computer science or related field, proven technical leadership in large-scale AI organizations, significant experience training and deploying Deep Learning models to production, fluency in C++ or Python with basic C++ understanding, extensive programming and algorithm design experience, strong mathematics skills, and 10+ years of experience.

What experience makes a candidate stand out for this role?

Bonus qualifications include conference or journal publications in Machine Learning or Robotics, and prior experience with Prediction and Planning for autonomous vehicles.

Zoox

Develops autonomous electric ride-hailing vehicles

About Zoox

Zoox focuses on creating a fully integrated autonomous ride-hailing service designed specifically for urban transportation. Unlike other companies that modify existing vehicles for self-driving capabilities, Zoox has engineered its own vehicle from the ground up, optimizing it for safety, efficiency, and passenger comfort. The vehicle features advanced sensors, cameras, and AI systems that allow it to navigate complex city environments. It can carry up to four passengers in a spacious interior, ensuring a pleasant ride experience. Safety is paramount, with rigorous testing and collaboration with regulatory bodies to meet high standards. Additionally, Zoox's vehicles are fully electric, promoting sustainability by reducing emissions. The company also develops a user-friendly ride-hailing platform that uses data analytics to improve routing and reduce wait times. Zoox aims to enhance urban mobility while prioritizing safety and environmental responsibility.

Menlo Park, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2014Year Founded
$1,206.2MTotal Funding
ACQUISITIONCompany Stage
Automotive & Transportation, Energy, AI & Machine LearningIndustries
1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Maternity & Paternity Leave
Vacation & Paid Time Off
Sick Days
Free Lunch or Snacks
Employee Assitance Program

Risks

Increased competition from Waymo and Cruise may impact Zoox's market share.
Expansion into new cities introduces regulatory and operational challenges for Zoox.
Partnership with Williams Racing may divert focus from core vehicle development.

Differentiation

Zoox designs vehicles specifically for autonomous operation, unlike retrofitting existing cars.
Zoox's vehicles feature a unique, futuristic design with advanced AI systems.
Zoox offers a fully integrated ride-hailing service optimized for safety and efficiency.

Upsides

Zoox's expansion into Austin and Miami opens new markets and data collection opportunities.
Partnership with Williams Racing boosts Zoox's brand visibility in the U.S. market.
Hiring former Tesla executive Gao could accelerate Zoox's technological advancements.

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