Staff Software Engineer, Simulator Evaluation

Job Summary

The Staff Software Engineer will act as the Technical Architect for Waymo’s simulation evaluation team. This role requires expertise in designing scalable systems, advanced quantitative intuition, and strategic leadership.

Responsibilities

• Architect the Eval Rubric: Define the "Definition of Done" for simulation realism and architect the evaluation roadmap.
• Design the "Critic" for the System: Develop comprehensive mathematical frameworks to validate hybrid simulation worlds.
• Build at Scale: Lead the design of large-scale, extensible evaluation platforms (C++/Python).
• Strategic, Cross-functional Leadership: Act as the technical bridge between organizations, partnering with AI research and other simulation teams.

Requirements

• 8+ years of industry experience, focusing on complex data systems, evaluation platforms, or back-end infrastructure.
• Expertise in designing systems that scale (C++, Python, distributed computing), with a strong focus on API design and maintainability.
• Advanced Quantitative Intuition: Ability to design frameworks and debate statistical approaches for complex, non-deterministic systems.
• Product-Aware Leadership: Experience creating technical strategies spanning multiple teams and translating high-level product requirements into concrete engineering problems.
• Background in fields blending code, math, and simulation: Autonomous Vehicles, Algorithmic Trading, AdTech/Search Ranking, Machine Learning, Robotics, or Robotics.
• Familiarity with validation of Generative AI (LLMs, Diffusion models) and/or classical simulation systems (Agent-based modeling, heuristics).
• Experience driving technical roadmaps for large-scale systems or validation frameworks.
• Experience guiding a team or system through major architectural shifts.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related field.
• Strong programming skills in C++ and Python.
• Experience with distributed computing and large-scale data systems.
• Ability to work independently and in a cross-functional team environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Benefits

Waymo offers a competitive salary range, discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and a comprehensive benefits program. Employees are eligible to participate in Waymo’s benefits program, which includes health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.