Zoox

Embedded Software Engineer - Drive Systems

Foster City, CA · Full-time

Zoox

At a glance

Embedded Software Engineer - Drive Systems is an open full-time job at Zoox (Foster City, CA · Hybrid).

CompanyZoox
LocationFoster City, CA · Hybrid
TypeFull-time
DepartmentSoftware
PayCreate a free account to see the pay
Posted2026-08-31
Found onLever

About this job

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:

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Build and contribute to simulation, emulation, SIL, and HIL infrastructure to validate drive control software

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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)

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Contribute to control source arbitration and safety monitoring across trajectory execution and drive control ECUs

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Integrate supplier sub-systems (steering, motoring, braking, active suspension, and more) into the Zoox software stack

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Work cross-functionally with Motion & Controls, Vehicle Dynamics, Safety Systems, Validation, and other partner teams to deliver a seamless, highly-automated driving experience

Qualifications

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Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent experience

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1-3 years of experience developing real-time embedded software for distributed electro-mechanical systems and the simulation and test infrastructure for such systems

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Strong embedded C/C++ programming experience and experience with Python for test

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Experience with QNX, SafeRTOS, FreeRTOS, or similar embedded operating systems

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Understanding of automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN) and sensor/actuator integration

Bonus Qualifications

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Experience with CAN/LIN analysis and debugging tools (PCAN, CANalyzer, CANape, etc.)

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Familiarity with high-assurance development practices and tools (Polarion, ISO-26262, MISRA C/C++, etc.)

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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.

Questions about this job

Where is the Embedded Software Engineer - Drive Systems job at Zoox?

Foster City, CA. The role is hybrid.

What does the Embedded Software Engineer - Drive Systems job at Zoox pay?

The listing states a pay range. Create a free account on this site to see it.

Is this a full-time or part-time job?

The listing describes it as Full-time.

How do I apply to Zoox?

Create a free job seeker account on this site, then use the Apply button to open the employer's own posting.

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