Software Engineer I

Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all. 

We’re searching for a Software Engineer to join our Vehicle Platforms team. This role is a unique opportunity for a systems-minded coder to work at the foundational layer of our autonomous trucks, bridging the gap between high-level autonomy software and physical vehicle hardware. You will be instrumental in ensuring our sensors, compute units, and embedded devices function as a seamless, high-performance unit, making this one of the most hands-on software roles at Aurora.

In this role you will

• Integrate Core Hardware Components: Write and maintain C++ interfaces and drivers that integrate Lidars, Radars, Cameras, and other embedded devices into the Aurora Driver stack.
• Support Platform Bring-up: Participate in the initial software "bring-up" of new vehicle platforms, ensuring the onboard compute and sensors are correctly configured and communicating.
• Optimize Onboard Performance: Profile and optimize code to ensure efficient use of limited CPU, GPU, and memory resources on the vehicle.
• Monitor Hardware Health: Develop and refine software tools that track the real-time health and telemetry of our hardware components to ensure safe fleet operations.
• Validate via HIL Infrastructure: Utilize Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments to test and verify your code changes against real-world hardware before deployment to the road.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Strong proficiency in C++: Solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and memory management (academic or project-based).
• Hands-on Systems Experience: At least 1–2 years of relevant experience, which can be demonstrated through multiple internships, significant academic research, or professional work involving hardware-software interaction.
• Linux Fundamentals: Experience working in a Linux environment with an understanding of command-line tools and system basics.
• Exposure to Networking Protocols: Familiarity with the basics of data transport, such as TCP/IP, UDP, or serial communication.

Desirable qualifications

• Robotics or Embedded Projects: Experience with ROS/ROS2, microcontrollers (Arduino/STM32/ESP32), or hobbyist robotics.
• Familiarity with Sensors: Prior exposure to Lidar, Radar, or Camera data processing and hardware interfaces.
• Scripting Skills: Proficiency in Python for automation, data analysis, or building internal support tools.
• Automotive Knowledge: Understanding of CAN bus protocols or Automotive Ethernet basics.
• Safety Mindset: Familiarity with concepts of high-availability or safety-critical software design.

The base salary range for this position is $116,000  - $174,000 per year. Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

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