Principal Engineer, Embedded, Sensors, and Safety SoftwareHenderson, COOutrider, the pioneer in autonomous yard operations for logistics hubs, helps large enterprises improve safety and increase efficiency. The only company exclusively focused on automating all aspects of yard operations, Outrider eliminates manual tasks that are hazardous and repetitive. Outrider's mission is to drive the rapid adoption of sustainable freight transportation by deploying zero-emission systems.
Outrider is a private company backed by NEA, 8VC, Koch Disruptive Technologies, and other top-tier investors.The Principal Engineer, Embedded, Sensors, and Safety Software will create reliable, safety-critical software that senses, monitors, and controls the vehicle. This role requires exceptional software engineering skills, full development lifecycle knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in unstructured environments.Successful candidates have a demonstrated technical track record in designing and implementing robust Software Test Infrastructure for complex hardware-based systems, bringing an exceptional system-level perspective and proficiency in software.This role is mission-critical for helping deliver and scale a safety-critical system for industrial automation. The opportunity offers a technical, hands-on team member the chance to help develop a market-defining enterprise product that combines autonomous vehicle technology with a software-as-a-service (SaaS) business model.The ideal candidate will embrace our goal to drive zero-emission, self-driving vehicle adoption, and help us realize our potential to define, build, and lead a new category of robotic automation for the enterprise.Duties & Key ObjectivesBuild the Software and System Test InfrastructureDesign, implement, and deliver test solutions for components and integrated systems to meet quality, repeatability, and schedule milestonesUpgrade and maintain existing test solutionsDevelop test cases to test software requirements at different levels of the development lifecycle (inc.
HIL)Integrate test solutions for continuous integration/continuous developmentDevelop, implement, and deliver automated characterization and calibration solutions for new and existing components, including perception sensors.Develop high-quality, scalable softwareTriage issues and perform root cause analysis using system context, user observations, and log dataCoordinate with hardware, system safety, and test teams to iterate on system performance and hit targets, metrics, and KPIsSupport product deployment, system maintenance, and the software development lifecycle for customer sites and system validationIdentify opportunities to improve deployed systems based on dataAddress issues by developing software in C and C++ (from simple patch to feature re-architecture)Develop embedded C software for control units, actuators, and sensors interfaced with the base vehicleDeliver experiments to validate hypotheses, evaluate system performance and design changes, and support engineering decisionsProvide technical leadership and mentor team on software and system safetyDemonstrated bias for action, strong leadership and a continuous improvement mindsetContribute to Outrider's growth and a culture of responsible zero-emission autonomous vehicle deploymentOutrider may require additional or different tasks as neededRequired QualificationsExperience developing software test infrastructure for safety-critical systemsExceptional system-level perspective, proficient in software, with practical familiarity in Electrical and Mechanical EngineeringProficiency in PythonExperience developing application software in C and Modern C++ for embedded systemsExperience with test lab equipment (e.g. oscilloscope, data acquisition unit, signal generator…)Experience with CAN and networking (UDP, TCP, DHCP, DNS, Wireshark…)Professional experience using perception sensors (e.g RADARs, LIDARs, cameras…), GPS, encoders and other safety significant hardware (e.g. safety interlock systems)Experience with REST APIsFamiliarity with development containersExperience with Git and CI/CD pipelinesExperience with AI coding tools and willingness to adopt AI-assisted development workflowsBackground developing software in a Linux environmentProficiency across the full software development lifecycleExceptional analytical skillsBachelor's degree in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related fieldIdeal QualificationsExperience scaling a fleet of autonomous vehicles or mobile robotsExperience working with ROS or ROS2Experience using IBM ELM/DOORS (inc.
external integrations)Familiarity with functional safety specifications, including ISO 26262 and IEC 61508Master's degree in computer engineering or computer scienceComp & BenefitsSalary range of $165,000 - $190,000.Actual compensation is based on several factors, including but not limited to job-related skills, qualifications, experience, and specific work location due to differences in the cost of labor. In addition to a base salary, this role is also eligible for benefits, and equity bonus.Equity: equity package commensurate on experience and skillsRelocation assistanceHealth InsuranceDental insuranceVision InsuranceParental Leave401(K) RetirementFlexible Spending Account (FSA)Health Savings Account (HSA)Short-Term DisabilityLong–Term DisabilityLife insurancePet insuranceMental health benefitsProfessional Development BenefitsPlease note: At this time, we are only hiring candidates who are currently authorized to work in the United States and reside within the U.S. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship or support international employment arrangements for this role.