Senior Software Systems Engineer (Simulation)

TL;DR

Senior Software Systems Engineer (Simulation): Developing metrics and evaluation pipelines to assess the fidelity of a GenAI-powered simulator for autonomous vehicles with an accent on quantitative validation and sensor data analysis. Focus on root-causing simulator performance gaps and scaling autonomous driving capabilities across complex urban environments.

Location: Hybrid: Must be based in Foster City, CA or San Diego, CA

Salary: $208,000 - $300,000 a year

Company

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

What you will do

• Design and implement metrics to measure the accuracy of simulated sensors, agents, and virtual environments.
• Develop robust simulator evaluation strategies, including dataset mining, and implement them in large-scale evaluation pipelines.
• Write design proposals and drive execution while proactively communicating risks to partner teams.
• Collaborate with Autonomy, Safety, and Simulation teams to define and agree upon validation methodologies.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in quantitative evaluation, autonomous robotics, or sensor data analysis (lidar, camera, radar).
• Proficiency in Python and data analysis tools (Pandas, NumPy, SQL) with a strong foundation in data visualization.
• Working knowledge of applied statistical methods such as histograms, probability distributions, and hypothesis testing.
• BS, MS, or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to proactively seek clarity in dynamic environments.

Nice to have

• Experience with autonomous vehicle software stacks (Perception, Prediction, Planning).
• Experience implementing large-scale evaluation pipelines.
• Experience using applied statistics for system validation (e.g., confidence intervals, p-values).

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including base salary, Amazon RSUs, and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights.
• Comprehensive health, long-term care, disability, and life insurance.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and bereavement.
• Potential for a sign-on bonus.