Senior Staff System Architect

About the role

Aurora is seeking a seasoned System Architect to define and maintain the overall system architecture for complex hardware/software integrated products. In this role, you will translate product and market requirements into system-level specifications, conduct trade-off analyses, and lead cross-domain technical initiatives to shape the Aurora Driver.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the overall system architecture for complex hardware/software integrated products.
• Translate product and market requirements into system-level specifications, functional decomposition, and architecture artifacts.
• Conduct trade-off analyses incorporating performance, security, reliability, power, thermal, and cost considerations.
• Select and recommend technologies for processors, memory, storage, networking, management controllers, and other core system elements.
• Establish and enforce system interface standards and interoperability guidelines.
• Lead architecture reviews and manage cross-domain technical risks.
• Support engineering teams during design, validation, and manufacturing readiness.
• Mentor engineering staff in system-level thinking, architecture methods, and technical decision-making processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree with a focus in electrical or computer engineering.
• 12+ years of experience with proven ability to lead cross-functional technical initiatives and resolve integration challenges.
• Expertise in system architecture, understanding of signal and power integrity, and high-speed signaling.
• Lead hardware/software co-design efforts to maximize performance per watt and overall system efficiency.
• Expertise in multiple relevant domains: compute architecture, networking, power and thermal management, system security.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as PCIe, Ethernet, GMSL, NVMe, CAN, I²C, SPI, and emerging protocols.
• Experienced in producing architectural documentation, designing diagrams, compiling requirements matrices, and providing technical justifications.
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience with driverless automotive systems, Lidar system architecture, and/or network design.
• Deep understanding of AI/ML accelerators and energy-efficient compute design.
• Background in performance modeling, cost optimization, and workload-driven architecture.
• Knowledge of automotive requirements, safety framework (ISO26262), and qualification processes.
• FPGA/ASIC design experience.

Pay

For roles based in Mountain View, CA: The salary range for this position is $197,000 - $285,000 per year. Within the range, starting base pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

Schedule

Aurora operates in a hybrid work environment where employees are in the office at least 3 days per week.

Benefits

Aurora offers a collaborative and inclusive culture, operating with integrity and setting ambitious goals. The company provides opportunities for professional growth and values in-person work to enhance collaboration and leadership effectiveness.