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Autonomous Driving Software Engineer Jobs in California

pony.ai

(Senior) Software Engineer - Behavior

Fremont, CA · On-site

$140K - $220K/yr

As of August 2023, Pony.ai has accumulated nearly 21 million miles of autonomous driving globally ... Software or Algorithm Engineers on the team are responsible for one or more of the following:

pony.ai

(Senior) Software Engineer - Behavior

Fremont, CA · On-site

$140K - $220K/yr

As of August 2023, Pony.ai has accumulated nearly 21 million miles of autonomous driving globally ... Software or Algorithm Engineers on the team are responsible for one or more of the following:

Seyond

Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

... Engineer to join their innovative team. The role involves developing, optimizing, and deploying ... software on edge AI platforms for autonomous driving and other advanced applications.

Seyond

Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

... Engineer to join their innovative team. The role involves developing, optimizing, and deploying ... software on edge AI platforms for autonomous driving and other advanced applications.

Seyond

Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

The Senior Software Engineer will develop, optimize, and deploy perception algorithms and software for autonomous driving and advanced applications, utilizing edge AI platforms like NVIDIA Jetson.

Zoox

Software Engineer - Driving Behavior

Foster City, CA · On-site

$177K - $270K/yr

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 ...

Zoox

Software Engineer - Driving Behavior

Foster City, CA · On-site

$177K - $270K/yr

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 ...

Zoox

Software Engineer - Driving Behavior

Foster City, CA · On-site

$177K - $270K/yr

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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Autonomous Driving Software Engineer information

What does an autonomous driving software engineer do?

An Autonomous Driving Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software systems that enable vehicles to drive themselves safely and efficiently. They work on algorithms for perception, sensor fusion, planning, control, and decision-making, ensuring vehicles can interpret their environment and make real-time driving decisions. These engineers collaborate with hardware teams, use machine learning techniques, and rigorously test their code in simulations and real-world scenarios to meet safety standards.

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

To thrive as an Autonomous Driving Software Engineer, you need strong proficiency in C++ and Python, a solid understanding of robotics, computer vision, and machine learning, and typically a degree in computer science, robotics, or a related field. Experience with ROS (Robot Operating System), simulation tools like CARLA, and familiarity with automotive safety standards such as ISO 26262 are highly valued. Problem-solving ability, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure the development of safe, reliable, and innovative autonomous driving systems in a collaborative and high-stakes environment.

How does an autonomous driving software engineer typically collaborate with hardware and testing teams during a project?

As an Autonomous Driving Software Engineer, you will work closely with hardware engineers and testing teams to ensure seamless integration between software algorithms and physical vehicle components. Regular joint meetings and iterative testing sessions are common, where you’ll align on sensor requirements, data collection, and address real-world performance issues. Effective communication and a collaborative mindset are key, as you’ll often troubleshoot issues that cross the boundaries between software logic and hardware behavior. This multidisciplinary interaction not only enhances your technical skills but also provides valuable exposure to the broader autonomous vehicle development process.

What is the difference between Autonomous Driving Software Engineer vs Vehicle Software Engineer?

AspectAutonomous Driving Software EngineerVehicle Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Computer Science, Robotics, or Electrical Engineering; experience with AI, perception, and sensor integrationBachelor's/Master's in Software Engineering or related; focus on embedded systems and vehicle control software
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, automotive companies, tech firms developing autonomous systemsAutomotive manufacturing plants, OEMs, suppliers working on vehicle control systems
Industry UsagePrimarily in autonomous vehicle development and testingIn traditional vehicle control, infotainment, and embedded systems

Autonomous Driving Software Engineers focus on developing software for self-driving systems, including perception, decision-making, and sensor integration. Vehicle Software Engineers work on broader vehicle control systems, including embedded software for engine management, infotainment, and safety features. While both roles require strong software skills, Autonomous Driving Software Engineers specialize in AI and sensor data processing, whereas Vehicle Software Engineers focus on embedded systems within vehicles.

How much do autonomous driving software engineers make?

Autonomous driving software engineers typically earn between $100,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior engineers with specialized skills in machine learning, sensor integration, and real-time systems can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $180,000.

How to become an autonomous driving software engineer?

To become an autonomous driving software engineer, you typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, robotics, or electrical engineering. Strong programming skills in languages like C++ and Python, experience with sensor integration, machine learning, and familiarity with tools such as ROS are essential. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, projects, or research in autonomous systems can also improve job prospects.

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

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

Software Engineer / Sr. Software Engineer, Planning Selection (Autonomy)

San Jose, CA • On-site

Didi Labs
5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Didi Labsexternal

$141K - $235K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Software Engineer / Sr. Software Engineer, Planning Selection (Autonomy)

San Jose, CA

About the Company

DiDi's autonomous driving unit was established in 2016 with the mission of developing Level 4 autonomous driving (AD) technology to make transportation safer and more efficient. In August 2019, the unit became an independent company, DiDi Autonomous Driving, dedicated to advanced AD R&D, product application, and business expansion. We believe integrating AD technology into a shared-mobility fleet will generate immense social value. By leveraging DiDi's specialized technology, operational expertise, and integrated ecosystem, we are positioned to build and operate a highly efficient, user-oriented autonomous fleet.

About The Role

We are seeking a talented and mission-driven Software Engineer / Sr. Software Engineer, Planning Selection to contribute to the development of our core planner engine for decision-making, trajectory generation, and trajectory evaluation . In this role, you will apply both classic robotics behavior planning and modern machine learning algorithms to evaluate candidate trajectories, build multi-objective cost functions, and help select safe, comfortable, and e fficient t rajectories for our autonomous vehicles. You will play a key role in refining our data-driven methods to enable smooth and scalable unmanned operations in dense urban environments.

Responsibilities
  • Design, implement, and maintain high-performance, production-grade C++ software for trajectory candidate generation and scoring.
  • Apply probabilistic , statistical , and machine learning methods to assess dynamic trajectory risk, calculate maneuver probabilities, and perform trajectory evaluation under uncertainty.
  • Profile, optimize, and test online planning software to ensure low-latency execution and memory efficiency on embedded production platforms.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Perception, Prediction, Motion Control, and Safety teams to refine scenario evaluation metrics and validate closed-loop planning behavior.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s or higher degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related technical field.
  • 2–5+ years of software engineering experience writing production-grade C++ in autonomous driving, robotics, or complex real-time systems.
  • Strong understanding of behavior planning, decision-making, and trajectory generation algorithms.
  • Solid understanding of probability, statistics, and machine learning fundamentals (e.g., classification, regression, scoring models).
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to decompose complex driving behaviors into clear, executable algorithms.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Demonstrated track record of deploying online planning or trajectory evaluation modules onto real-world autonomous platforms.
  • Familiarity with closed-loop simulation, automated data logging, and planning validation workflows.
  • Experience applying Learning-to-Rank (LTR), preference learning, or reward modeling to trajectory selection or robotic decision-making.

The base salary range for the Software Engineer position is $141,463–$235,182 annually, and for the Senior Software Engineer position is $169,783–$282,264 annually, in addition to bonus, equity, and benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by the role, level, and location. Within the applicable range, individual compensation is based on the work location as well as other factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and training.

I acknowledge that prior to submitting this application, I have read and accepted the Privacy Notice for California Residents which is available onhttps://v.didi.cn/AQnxlBa

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