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Autonomous Driving System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site +1

$118K - $155K/yr

Motional's onboard autonomous driving system team works at the intersection of software engineering, machine learning, sensors, and hardware compute platforms to evolve Motional's next-generation on ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$134K - $176K/yr

Motional's onboard autonomous driving system team works at the intersection of software engineering, machine learning, sensors, and hardware compute platforms to evolve Motional's next-generation on ...

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Autonomous Driving System Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

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

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for autonomous driving system engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Autonomous Driving System Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, robotics, or electrical engineering, with expertise in algorithms, perception, and control systems. Familiarity with technical tools such as ROS (Robot Operating System), Python/C++, sensor fusion frameworks, and experience with simulation platforms or automotive standards like ISO 26262 is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective teamwork, and clear communication distinguish top performers in this field. These skills ensure the safe, reliable, and innovative development of autonomous vehicle technologies in a rapidly evolving industry.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

An Autonomous Driving System Engineer can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in AI and sensor integration, and working at leading technology or automotive companies. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other incentives for senior or specialized roles in the field.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior autonomous driving system engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in machine learning, sensor integration, and software development can earn $300,000 or more annually. Such compensation often includes bonuses and stock options, especially in leading technology companies or startups working on autonomous vehicle technology.

How do Autonomous Driving System Engineers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the development process?

Autonomous Driving System Engineers frequently work alongside specialists in hardware, software, perception, mapping, and vehicle integration. Collaboration is essential, as engineers must coordinate with sensor experts, AI developers, and safety teams to ensure all system components function reliably together. Regular meetings, integration testing sessions, and shared development platforms are common to keep everyone aligned. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and ensures that system updates and new features are rigorously tested before deployment.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Autonomous driving system engineers, especially senior or lead roles with extensive experience, specialized skills in AI, sensor integration, and software development, can earn $200,000 or more annually. Compensation often depends on factors such as location, company size, and individual expertise, with some positions offering additional bonuses or stock options.

How much do autonomous systems engineers make?

Autonomous systems engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $90,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers with specialized skills in sensor integration, machine learning, and software development can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

What does an Autonomous Driving System Engineer do?

An Autonomous Driving System Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing the software and hardware systems that enable vehicles to drive themselves. They work on integrating sensors, such as cameras and lidar, with algorithms for perception, localization, planning, and control to ensure safe and reliable autonomous operation. These engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to validate system performance, address safety concerns, and continually improve the technology. Their work is crucial in advancing self-driving vehicles from prototypes to real-world deployment.

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

AspectAutonomous Driving System EngineerAutonomous Vehicle Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Robotics, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering; experience with sensor integration and control systemsBachelor's or Master's in Software Engineering, Computer Science; focus on software development and algorithms
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, automotive companies, tech firms working on autonomous systemsSoftware development teams within automotive or tech companies
Industry UsageDesigning and integrating autonomous driving systems and hardwareDeveloping software components for autonomous vehicles

The Autonomous Driving System Engineer focuses on integrating hardware and developing control systems for autonomous vehicles, while the Autonomous Vehicle Software Engineer primarily develops software algorithms and applications. Both roles often collaborate but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets.

What cities are hiring for Autonomous Driving System Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Autonomous Driving System Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Autonomous Driving System Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Autonomous Driving System Engineer jobs include:
Autonomous Driving System Safety Lead

Autonomous Driving System Safety Lead

Nuro

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$213K - $319K/yr

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Who We Are 

Nuro believes self-driving vehicles are the most immediate and profound opportunity for AI to drive positive change in the physical world. Safer streets, more time for what matters, and easier access to the world around us, that's why we're building a universal autonomy platform: self-driving for all roads and all rides.
Founded in 2016, Nuro is a physical AI company developing Level 4 autonomous driving technology for a wide range of vehicles, use cases, and markets. Powered by the Nuro Driver, our universal autonomy platform enables the global mobility ecosystem to deploy autonomy at scale, from robotaxis and logistics fleets to personal vehicles.
With years of real-world deployment experience and a flexible, partner-led business model, Nuro is working toward a future where millions of autonomous vehicles powered by our technology help make everyday life safer, easier, and more connected.
Nuro has raised over $2B in capital from Uber, NVIDIA, Google, Softbank, Fidelity, T. Rowe Price, and other leading investors.

About the Role

As the Autonomous Driving System Safety Lead on the Systems Engineering team, you will own and author safety claims in the forward-facing ADS safety case for onboard and offboard software, a large fraction of which is AI components. You will work closely with the autonomy software, data platform, operations, and legal teams to coordinate system requirements, AI architecture, and evidence in support of these claims. You will be responsible for ensuring that the cross-functional team creates a safety case for onboard and offboard software that is comprehensive and that potential gaps are identified and mitigated.

About the Work

  • Manage safety claims by understanding the ADS design, interfaces, and technical capabilities of the system and by working closely with Autonomy Robotics and Software Infrastructure leads.
  • Generate atomic claims through claim decomposition, delegating to the cross-functional teams where appropriate and managing quality where delegated.
  • Generate counter-arguments (challenges) to claims, and ensure that they are either addressed or mitigated.
  • Review and assess evidence from evaluation and validation as arguments for safety case claims, and by working closely with V&V test teams.
  • Develop processes for and coordinate the tracking of safety performance indicators, as available from various Systems Engineering and Software Evaluation teams, to monitor driverless (driver-out L4) deployment.
  • Escalate functional and technical risks, and missing work items such as test gaps, ADS design risks, and AI architecture insufficiencies to senior leadership and propose mitigations.
  • Support safety research, identify appropriate technical standards and best practices that support the safety case, and apply them effectively.
  • While this role starts as an individual contributor, there is opportunity to grow a team after the initially defined technical milestones.

About You

  • 5+ years of technical work experience in a relevant area, of which 3+ years should be in robotics software.
  • Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree in Computer Science, Math, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Physics, or related field.
  • Working knowledge of and ability to apply systems engineering concepts of requirements, verification, and validation, with a deep understanding of how robotic systems work.
  • Experience working in a safety-critical industry (e.g. robotics, automotive, aviation/aerospace, medical devices) for a complex robotic system.
  • Hands-on experience with ISO 21448 and familiarity with ISO 8800.
  • Highly collaborative in nature with strong abilities to think and communicate analytically and effectively, and the ability to build good working relationships.

Bonus Points

  • Background in autonomous vehicles ideally with L4 AV deployment.
  • Experience writing safety claims and system requirements for SAE L2/L3/L4 systems to operate safely.
  • Experience with ISO 8800.
  • Experience with naturalistic driving data and human benchmarking analysis.
  • Experience with simulation of autonomous vehicles applied to verification and validation.
  • Technical and strategic management experience with a small team.

At Nuro, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. For this position, the reasonably expected base pay range is between $213,480 and $319,720 for the levels 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.