Software Engineer, Aurora
$116-174k
The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, and equity
Self-driving technology company
Open for applications
Self-driving technology company
1001+ employees
Open for applications
$116-174k
The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, and equity
1001+ employees
Company mission
To deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly.
Role
Who you are
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
- Strong proficiency in C++: Solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and memory management (academic or project-based)
- Hands-on Systems Experience: At least 1–2 years of relevant experience, which can be demonstrated through multiple internships, significant academic research, or professional work involving hardware-software interaction
- Linux Fundamentals: Experience working in a Linux environment with an understanding of command-line tools and system basics
- Exposure to Networking Protocols: Familiarity with the basics of data transport, such as TCP/IP, UDP, or serial communication
Desirable
- Robotics or Embedded Projects: Experience with ROS/ROS2, microcontrollers (Arduino/STM32/ESP32), or hobbyist robotics
- Familiarity with Sensors: Prior exposure to Lidar, Radar, or Camera data processing and hardware interfaces
- Scripting Skills: Proficiency in Python for automation, data analysis, or building internal support tools
- Automotive Knowledge: Understanding of CAN bus protocols or Automotive Ethernet basics
- Safety Mindset: Familiarity with concepts of high-availability or safety-critical software design
What the job involves
- We’re searching for a Software Engineer to join our Vehicle Platforms team
- This role is a unique opportunity for a systems-minded coder to work at the foundational layer of our autonomous trucks, bridging the gap between high-level autonomy software and physical vehicle hardware
- You will be instrumental in ensuring our sensors, compute units, and embedded devices function as a seamless, high-performance unit, making this one of the most hands-on software roles at Aurora
- Integrate Core Hardware Components: Write and maintain C++ interfaces and drivers that integrate Lidars, Radars, Cameras, and other embedded devices into the Aurora Driver stack
- Support Platform Bring-up: Participate in the initial software "bring-up" of new vehicle platforms, ensuring the onboard compute and sensors are correctly configured and communicating
- Optimize Onboard Performance: Profile and optimize code to ensure efficient use of limited CPU, GPU, and memory resources on the vehicle
- Monitor Hardware Health: Develop and refine software tools that track the real-time health and telemetry of our hardware components to ensure safe fleet operations
- Validate via HIL Infrastructure: Utilize Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments to test and verify your code changes against real-world hardware before deployment to the road
Our take
In spite of emerging from stealth mode in 2018, Aurora is making strong waves in the flurry of startups racing to develop fully autonomous vehicles. Aurora’s hardware and software developments have historically focused on self-driving trucks, which it expects to launch commercially in 2024.
It recently named Ossa Fisher as its new President, who will focus on scaling operations ahead of this commercial launch. Passenger cars and associated services are expected to roll out following this launch. However, the self-driving industry is riddled with unmet deadlines, cash shortfalls, and tough technological challenges.
To remain competitive with deep-pocket industry giants like Tesla and Google’s Waymo, the company continues to land substantial backing from the likes of Sequoia Capital, accelerating its post-IPO growth. The pedigree of its founders may well continue to win over investor confidence. It boasts leading prior positions in the self-driving divisions of Tesla, Uber, and Google.
Steph
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
8% employee growth in 12 months
Company
Funding (last 2 of 3 rounds)
Dec 2020
$400m
GROWTH EQUITY VC
Feb 2019
$600m
SERIES B
Total funding: $1.1bn
Company benefits
- Choice of regional HMO options, PPO options, and high deductible plans, with the option to contribute to a health savings account (HSA). If you choose a high deductible health plan, Aurora will make employer contributions to your HSA
- Comprehensive dental coverage and access to a nationwide provider network
- Coverage for vision exams, glasses, contacts, discounts for LASIK, and other vision services through a nationwide provider network
- In-office lunches, snacks, and drinks available
- GymPass offers on-demand virtual classes (fitness, yoga, strength, and more), well-being coaching, and budget management. Discount on nationwide gym memberships
- Headspace offers access to guided sessions that focus on everything from stress to relationships, anxiety, and sleep
- SoFi. Refinance your home, student and personal loans
- Fetch offers discounts on pet insurance
- PerkSpot offers discounts on vacations, car rentals, and entertainment
- Access support services to help with your family planning journey including fertility care, adoption, and surrogacy. Reimbursement of $20,000 lifetime benefit
- Save for your future with Aurora’s 401(k) Plan. Pre-tax and Roth contribution options are available
- 24/7 access to online resources and unlimited phone consultations for stress, grief counseling, depression, and relationship conflicts (personal and professional), and limited in-person sessions
- Set aside pre-tax money to pay for qualified transit and commuter benefits
- Cigna travel accident insurance provided for business travel
- LinkedIn Learning is an e-learning resource to support professional development. Aurora Academy is an internal learning and development program designed to up-level our team by teaching skills that are essential to Aurora’s mission
- Modern Health is a mental wellness benefit that includes 14 sessions with a certified coach and 12 sessions with a therapist, if needed. Unlimited access to live provider- lead community circles, digital mediation, and more
- Flexible/reasonable vacation for salaried employees; accrual of 20 vacation days per year for non-exempt employees, 11 paid company holidays per year, and reasonable sick time to stay home, rest, and get better
- Network of employee-led groups that represent Aurorans, organized by cultural identity or collaborative purpose
- Aurora provides all new parents and caregivers 18 weeks of coordinated pay and time off for the birth or placement of a child. Up to 4 weeks of paid medical leave for your own personal illness or injury, or to care for a sick family member
- Set aside pre-tax money to pay for healthcare and dependent daycare expenses using FSA plans
- Company-paid premiums for life insurance (2x salary up to $500,000). Voluntary life & AD&D coverage for you and your dependents is available. Short-term disability benefits are 60% weekly benefit up to a max of $2,500 after a short waiting period. Long-term disability benefits are 60% of monthly salary to $10,000 after a waiting period. Option to enroll in voluntary life/AD&D insurance
- 24/7 access to Unum’s worldwide emergency travel assistance services for personal travel
Company HQ
Strip District, Pittsburgh, PA
Leadership
Chris Urmson
(Co-Founder & CEO)They have a PhD in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon, and worked as a robotics research scientist at SAIC. They were CTO of Self-Driving Cars at Google.
Drew Bagnell
(Chief Scientist)They hold a Robotics PhD from Carnegie Mellon, where they are also an Associate Professor. They were Autonomy Architect and Perception Lead at Uber Advanced Technology Center. Held the position of CTO at Aurora for over 3 years.
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