Hardware Engineer (LIDAR)

TL;DR

Hardware Engineer (LIDAR): Developing and characterizing high‑performance LiDAR systems and electro‑optical subsystems with an accent on bench characterization and physics‑based software models. Focus on designing field measurements, ensuring data quality at scale, and triaging system‑level performance and safety issues.

Location: Hybrid (at least 3 fixed days in the office in Mountain View, California)

Salary: $159,000—$196,000 USD

Company

An autonomous driving technology company with the mission to build the world's most trusted driver.

What you will do

• Develop and characterize high performance LiDAR systems and electro-optical subsystems.
• Create bench characterization methods and physics-based software models to ensure design goals are met.
• Develop performance validation plans scaling from early prototypes to high volume production.
• Design and oversee LiDAR field measurements and assess environmental impacts on performance.
• Collaborate with perception and systems engineers to triage field issues related to data quality.
• Transition between physics modeling, simulation, large-scale data analysis, and hands-on prototyping.

Requirements

• Master's degree with 5+ years of experience or a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Applied Physics.
• Strong knowledge of depth sensing technologies and experience prototyping precision components.
• Experience with physics-based computational models to quantify LiDAR or optical hardware performance.
• Proven track record of innovation and solving challenging technical problems.
• Excellent data analysis and technical communication skills.
• Must be based in or able to work from Mountain View, CA on a hybrid schedule.

Nice to have

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, or Electrical Engineering.
• Proficiency with data analysis in Python or C++.
• Experience designing experiments and hypothesis testing.
• Track record of from-scratch analytical physics modeling (e.g., Matlab/Python).
• Strong understanding of optical semiconductors and optical systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Discretionary annual bonus program.
• Equity incentive plan.
• Generous company benefits program.
• Innovative and collaborative engineering environment.