Staff Hardware Reliability Engineer - Sensors

Who We Are

Aurora’s mission is to deliver the benefits of self‑driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly. The Aurora Driver will create a new era in mobility and logistics, bringing a safer, more efficient, and more accessible future to everyone. At Aurora, you will tackle massively complex problems alongside other passionate, intelligent individuals, growing as an expert while expanding your knowledge.

What We Are Looking For

• Lead Sensor Reliability Assessments: conduct rigorous reliability evaluations and design test campaigns for both internal and external sensor designs to meet Aurora’s automotive standards.
• Drive Failure Analysis (FA): own complex reliability failures and shepherd corrective actions through near‑term mitigations and longer‑term design or process fixes.
• Facilitate Proactive Risk Mitigation: lead Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA) sessions and implement corrective action plans based on prior experience and testing.
• Develop Predictive Reliability Models: create models to predict failure rates for integrated modules and individual sensors across diverse climates and road conditions.
• Collaborate Cross‑Functionally: work with Hardware Design, Systems Engineering, Hardware Safety, Field Operations, Embedded Software, and contract manufacturers to integrate reliability findings into design and manufacturing processes.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive experience in sensor validation, with a proven track record developing and validating optomechanical products such as cameras, lidars, or other optical instruments.
• Expertise in physics of failure for electronic and optoelectronic components as applied to sensor systems.
• Strong ability to design and execute reliability test flows (shock, vibration, thermal) suitable for contract manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency in analyzing sensor performance data to generate actionable insights.
• Direct experience improving the reliability of mass‑produced optomechanical assemblies and managing feedback loops with external vendors.

Desirable Qualifications

• Industry experience at leading R&D automotive companies.
• Familiarity with AEC‑Q, ISO‑16750, and other relevant automotive reliability standards.
• Experience evaluating the reliability of manufacturing and assembly processes as a product moves toward large‑scale production.
• Working knowledge of hardware‑firmware interactions critical to sensor performance.
• Broad technical understanding of material science, PCBAs (BGA structural integrity), and conformal coating impacts on humidity exposure.

Pay

For roles based in Mountain View, CA: $181,000 – $262,000 per year.
For roles based in Pittsburgh, PA: $163,000 – $236,000 per year.
Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s 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.

Working at Aurora

Aurora brings together extraordinarily talented and experienced people united by shared values. We operate with integrity, set outrageous goals, and build a culture where we win together—without any jerks. We believe in‑person work increases collaboration, empathy, and our ability to lead effectively, so we operate in a hybrid environment where Aurorans are in the office at least three days per week.

Commitment to Safety

Safety is at the core of everything we do. Building best‑in‑class self‑driving technology takes time, and every employee at Aurora has a role in contributing to safety, every step of the way. We expect commitment to our safety policies from every employee and seek candidates who actively take responsibility, help build an atmosphere of trust, and prioritize working safely.

Commitment to Inclusion

Aurora considers candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy status, caregiver status, ancestry, political affiliation, veteran or military status, disability, or any other protected status. We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law, and provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. For assistance or accommodation due to a disability, contact careersiteaccommodations@aurora.tech.