SW Core Firmware Validation Engineering Manager (Automotive)

TL;DR

SW Core Firmware Validation Engineering Manager (Automotive): Leading the strategic verification and validation of core software components for autonomous vehicle platforms with an accent on bootloaders, device drivers, and real-time operating systems. Focus on building high-assurance testing methodologies, managing complex configuration challenges, and coaching a team of validation engineers to ensure safety and reliability.

Location: Must be based in San Diego, CA (Hybrid)

Salary: $198,000 - $249,000 per year

Company

Zoox is developing a ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the ecosystem required to provide mobility-as-a-service in urban environments.

What you will do

• Lead a team of component verification and validation engineers, defining strategy and driving productivity.
• Establish industry best practices for test design, automation, and defect management.
• Coach and develop team members to execute complex validation activities.
• Review software requirements to ensure testability and high-assurance standards.
• Manage the transition between component-level and vehicle-level validation.
• Collaborate with firmware, software, and vehicle engineering teams to ensure system reliability.

Requirements

• B.S. or higher in Automotive, Aerospace, Robotics, Electrical, Mechanical, or Computer Science Engineering.
• 8+ years of experience with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience leading testing and release management for high-assurance software.
• Experience with software-defined vehicle architecture.
• Experience with software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop testing strategies.
• Strong background in project, task, and performance management of test engineering teams.

Nice to have

• Expertise in C++.
• Experience with automotive frameworks like AUTOSAR and standards like MISRA or ASPICE.
• Knowledge of physical interfaces such as Automotive Ethernet, CAN bus, and UDS/DoIP.
• Experience validating bootloaders, secure boot, and OTA update mechanisms.
• Validation experience with embedded real-time and POSIX operating systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive health, long-term care, and disability insurance.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Competitive compensation including base salary, Amazon RSUs, and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and bereavement.
• Commitment to diverse perspectives and inclusive team building.