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Autonomous Driving Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Zoox

Software Engineer - Driving Behavior

Foster City, CA · On-site

$168K - $270K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

This role will be a part of a team to expand Zoox's autonomous mobility to new geofences. We are looking for a Software Engineer to improve and develop autonomous driving capabilities in new ...

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All JobsAutonomous Driving Engineer JobsAutonomous Driving Engineer Jobs in California

Autonomous Driving Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.2K

$135.5K

$193.9K

How much do autonomous driving engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for autonomous driving engineer in California is $135,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,200.00 and $193,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an autonomous driving engineer?

To thrive as an Autonomous Driving Engineer, you need strong expertise in robotics, computer vision, sensor fusion, and machine learning, generally backed by a relevant engineering or computer science degree. Familiarity with programming languages like Python or C++, frameworks such as ROS (Robot Operating System), and simulation tools like CARLA or MATLAB is typically required. Problem-solving, teamwork, and clear communication are important soft skills that help you excel when debugging complex systems and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the ability to develop innovative autonomous driving solutions that are safe, efficient, and effective in real-world environments.

What are some common challenges autonomous driving engineers face on the job?

Autonomous Driving Engineers often work on highly complex systems where integrating hardware and software, ensuring sensor reliability, and maintaining safety standards can pose significant challenges. Collaborating across teams—such as hardware engineers, data scientists, and software developers—is a daily part of the role, requiring strong coordination and flexibility. Debugging scenarios in both real-world and simulated environments, handling vast datasets, and keeping up with rapidly evolving technology are also regular parts of the job. These challenges make the work both demanding and rewarding, offering continual learning and professional growth opportunities.

What is an autonomous driving engineer?

An Autonomous Driving Engineer develops software, algorithms, and systems that enable vehicles to drive autonomously. They work on perception, sensor fusion, path planning, and control systems using AI, computer vision, and robotics. Their role involves testing and refining autonomous systems in simulations and real-world environments to ensure safety and reliability.

What are the most commonly searched types of Autonomous Driving Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Autonomous Driving Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Autonomous Driving Engineer jobs in California?

For Autonomous Driving Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Autonomous Driving Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Autonomous Driving Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Autonomous Driving Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Autonomous Driving Engineer job openings:

Autonomous Driving Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autonomous Driving Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,511 per year, or $65.1 per hour.

Software Engineer - Driving Behavior

Zoox

Foster City, CA

$168K - $270K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Zoox is on an ambitious journey to develop a full-stack autonomous mobility solution. This role will be a part of a team to expand Zoox’s autonomous mobility to new geofences. We are looking for a Software Engineer to improve and develop autonomous driving capabilities in new conditions.
In this role, you will:

  • Design behavioral and motion planning algorithms to improve driving behavior in new geofences and implement those designs in our code base.

  • Adapt existing algorithms and software modules for autonomous driving in new geofences.

  • Integrate and test your developed applications in the robot, learn, and make improvements. 

  • Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to support the integration and validation of software components and features for geofence expansion.

  • Support or lead vehicle testing to generate actionable feedback on driving performance. 

  • Write and file patents for novel technologies you develop.

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Computer Science or related field and 3+ years of experience

  • Proficient in C++ programming

  • Proven experience in at least one of the following domains: behavioral planning, motion planning, or mission planning for autonomous vehicles

Bonus Qualifications

  • Experience with behavioral and motion planning for high-speed autonomous driving

  • Experience with autonomous robots and machine learning or data-driven development processes

Base Salary Range
 
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. The listed range applies only to the base salary. 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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.