Senior/Staff Software Engineer - Embedded Linux Operating Systems

About the role

Zoox's Robot Software Infrastructure team is seeking a passionate software engineer to help develop and advance the common performant operating system that powers several devices on our vehicle, including Autonomy systems. This team develops platform-level software and services, such as operating systems that enable complex, hardware-accelerated workloads critical for autonomous driving on automotive-grade hardware. We work closely with cross-functional teams—including developers, release management, hardware engineering, manufacturing, and operations—to support vehicle development and deployment at scale. If you are excited to explore a broad problem space and are mindful of how components fit within a larger system, you may be a great fit!

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain the operating system platform that powers various on-bot devices and applications
• Architect and implement platform-level software to support robust and scalable robotics infrastructure
• Configure and manage embedded Linux build systems (e.g., Yocto) and bootloader processes (e.g., U-Boot) to ensure reliable system startup and maintenance
• Develop and optimize device drivers and kernel-space components using C, C++, or Rust to meet performance and reliability requirements
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support seamless integration and delivery of the OS platform, triage issues, support new hardware bring-up, and manufacturing functions

Qualifications

• 8+ years delivering production systems and software applications, 2+ years of delivering custom Embedded Linux operating systems
• Deep understanding of Linux, build systems like Yocto, and bootloaders like U-Boot
• Familiarity with Linux init systems (e.g., systemd), containerization concepts (e.g., chroot, cgroups, Linux namespaces), and filesystems
• Understanding of device drivers and kernel-space code and proficiency in a language without automatic memory management (e.g., C or C++), and in multiple scripting languages like bash and Python
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with embedded Linux in a robotics application
• Familiarity with security software: PKI, secure boot, OTA software update, hardware key storage, etc.
• Familiarity with Nvidia GPUs, Nvidia Thor/Orin, Cuda, TRT, etc.
• Graduate degree with a focus on networking, operating systems, or firmware

Pay

Base salary range: $235,000 - $300,000 a year. 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.

Benefits

• 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
• Life insurance

About Zoox

Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We’re looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast-moving and highly execution-oriented team.