ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Autonomous Driving Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DiDi

Software Engineer II

San Jose, CA · On-site

DiDi is a technology company focusing on autonomous driving solutions, and they are seeking a Software Engineer II to design and develop robotic simulation systems. The role involves creating ...

DiDi Labs

Software Engineer II

San Jose, CA · On-site

$135K - $182K/yr

Software Engineer II Job Location : San Jose, CA 95134 Salary: $135,960 - $182,520 Job duties ... Design and develop robotic simulation systems to verify autonomous driving algorithms before real ...

DiDi Labs

Software Engineer II

San Jose, CA

$135K - $182K/yr

Software Engineer II Job Location : San Jose, CA 95134 Salary: $135,960 - $182,520 Job duties ... Design and develop robotic simulation systems to verify autonomous driving algorithms before real ...

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

$168K - $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

$168K - $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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsAutonomous Driving Software Engineer Jobs

Autonomous Driving Software Engineer information

See salary details

$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do autonomous driving software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for autonomous driving software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Autonomous Driving Software Engineer, and why are they important?

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.
What cities are hiring for Autonomous Driving Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Autonomous Driving Software Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Autonomous Driving Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Autonomous Driving Software Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Autonomous Driving Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 49% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Temporary, 33% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.
Senior Software Engineer, Localization and Mapping

Senior Software Engineer, Localization and Mapping

Nuro

Mountain View, CA

$193K - $291K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 hours ago

Job description

Who We Are

Nuro exists to better everyday life through robotics. Founded in 2016, Nuro has spent eight years developing autonomous driving (AD) technology and commercializing AD applications. The Nuro Driver™ is our world-class autonomous driving system that combines AD hardware with our generalized AI-first self-driving software. Built to learn and improve through data, the Nuro Driver™ is one of the few driverless autonomous technologies on public roads today.

Nuro has raised over $2B in capital from Fidelity, Bailie Gifford, T. Rowe Price, Google, and other leading investors. We've partnered with some of the world's most respected brands including Uber, FedEx, Domino's, Walmart, Kroger, and 7-Eleven.

About the Role


Our robotics team is growing and we are looking for a Software Engineer to join our Localization & Mapping team. You will be working on challenging problems in the design and implementation of the map system used on our current and future robots. We're searching for an engineer with experience building robust map systems that work with real data in uncertain environments, and a strong desire to contribute to the future of robot navigation for logistics and transportation.

About the Work

  • Research, develop, and implement state of the art mapping and/or state estimation algorithms.
  • Analyze and characterize the accuracy and performance of mapping and/or state estimation algorithms while creating map solutions from various types of data sources.
  • Build well-tested C++ software and deploy and test on our robotic platforms and in simulation.
  • Work in a small, focused team to deliver high-quality mapping and localization solutions that power the next generation of mobile robots.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders across autonomy, infrastructure, and systems teams on map needs and requirements.

About You

  • 2+ years of industry experience as a software engineer.
  • Strong C/C++ programming skills, developing well-tested, safety critical software.
  • Hands-on experience developing mapping and/or localization algorithms for AV, drones, or similar applications.
  • Deep understanding of state estimation, probabilistic filtering, 3D geometry.
  • Experience working with multiple sensors (lidar, camera, etc.).

Bonus Points

  • PHD and/or Masters Degree in computer science, electrical engineering, robotics, or related field.
  • Experience with mapping data such as satellite imagery, lidar point clouds, standard definition (SD) maps.
  • Proficiency in python.
  • Experience with machine learning pipelines and/or machine learning for perception and/or mapping.

At Nuro, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. For this position, the reasonably expected base pay range is between $193,930 and $291,150 for the level at which this job has been scoped. Your base pay will depend on several factors, including your experience, qualifications, education, location, and skills. In the event that you are considered for a different level, a higher or lower pay range would apply. This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus, equity, and a competitive benefits package.

At Nuro, we celebrate differences and are committed to a diverse workplace that fosters inclusion and psychological safety for all employees. Nuro is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and expressly prohibits any form of workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics. #LI-DNP