Senior Software Engineer (Simulator Orchestration)

• Waymo’s simulator is one of the most complex virtual environments ever built. It blends deterministic logic, physical dynamics, and advanced AI to create a realistic training ground for the Waymo Driver. As we expand autonomous driving into new geographies, complex weather conditions, and next-generation capabilities, our goal is to build a highly adaptable, generic simulator that works across any environment
• The Simulator Orchestration team is at the heart of tackling this scaling challenge. Our mission is to deliver simulation solutions that power evaluation and training across a diverse range of challenging requirements. We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer who is passionate about solving complex evaluation problems with simulation technology and thrives on delivering practical solutions within a vast technical ecosystem
• This is a hybrid role. As a core contributor to the Simulator Orchestration team, you will focus on solving practical simulation challenges by intelligently configuring and orchestrating simulator features
• Architect Simulation Solutions: Drive the simulator development of the environments required for new initiatives, such as complex weather setups, new geography expansions (e.g., left-hand traffic), and adapting the simulator to support next-generation onboard capabilities
• Design the Orchestration Layer: Design and implement systems that dynamically select and compose simulator features based on the specific environment and context, bringing us closer to a truly universal simulator
• Navigate Complex Systems: Dive deep into a massive C++ codebase of onboard and simulator code. You are willing to get your hands dirty. You will rely on strong code-reading and debugging skills to trace and resolve complex interactions between different systems, shipping robust, production-ready code
• Collaborate Across Boundaries: Act as the technical glue between teams. You’ll partner closely with partners from Simulator, Eval and Onboard orgs, taking the building blocks they provide and turning them into complete, end-to-end simulation solutions

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Employee assistance programs focused on mental health
• Personalized workplace adjustments for diverse needs and abilities, including physical, mental, and neurodivergent considerations
• Access to mental health apps
• Onsite wellness centers
• Counseling services
• Second medical opinion for you and your loved ones
• Support programs including menopause benefit
• Medical advocacy program for transgender employees
• Competitive compensation
• Regular bonus and equity performance grant opportunities
• Generous 401(k) and regional retirement plans
• Annual cross-company compensation review and pay equity analysis
• 1-on-1 financial coaching
• Fertility and growing family assistance
• Parental leave and baby bonding leave
• Backup childcare
• Survivor income benefit
• Elder care and support
• Caregiver leave
• Paid time off, including vacation, bereavement, sick leave, parental leave, disability, and holidays
• Jury duty leave
• Military leave
• Hybrid work model with remote work opportunities also available
• Educational reimbursement
• Peer learning and coaching platform
• Donation matching programs
• Volunteer hours
• Employee resource groups
• Internal community groups and local culture clubs
• Inspiring spaces to work, recharge, and collaborate with fellow Waymonauts
• On-site meals and snacks
• Fitness centers, massage programs, and ergonomic support
• On-demand fitness, wellbeing, and cooking classes
• Commuter benefits

• We are looking for a strong generalist software engineer who leans heavily toward practical execution and is comfortable navigating large-scale, interconnected systems
• Solid proficiency in C++ (preferred) or Python, with a strong ability to read, navigate, and debug large, existing codebases
• A pragmatic approach to engineering. You are willing to find compromises and make the right trade-offs to achieve the broader goal, avoiding the trap of over-engineering or getting stuck in “ideal land.”
• 5+ years of industry experience in software development
• A proven track record of delivering working solutions in highly complex, ambiguous technical domains
• Experience building orchestration, dynamic configuration, or integration layers for large-scale software systems
• Exceptional communication skills. You are comfortable navigating ambiguity, negotiating technical boundaries, and building successful partnerships with upstream and downstream teams
• Track record in delivering goals via practical solutions
• Deep passion for solving complex evaluation problems with simulation technology to advance autonomous driving
• Background in fields that rely heavily on complex systems integration, such as autonomous vehicles, robotics, simulation, or large backend infrastructure