Software Engineer (Perception Scaling Evaluation)

• The Perception team at Waymo builds technology that powers the Waymo Driver
• Our software allows the Waymo Driver to perceive the world around it, make the right decision for every situation, and deliver people safely to their destinations
• We conduct research to address real-world problems and collaborate with research teams at Alphabet
• We have access to millions of miles of driving data from a diverse set of sensors, enabling software engineers like you to develop multi-modal models and techniques at scale
• Our mission is to build a stable foundation for a high-level Perception pipeline and the overall self-driving system
• We act as the crucial interface between Waymo’s hardware teams and the rest of the self-driving engineering organization, defining sensor requirements, providing critical feedback to hardware teams, and abstracting away system complexities
• The Sensor Health team’s job is to make sure that sensors “just work” for the entire self-driving car software stack
• We make sure that all sensors are properly calibrated and consistently monitored at all times
• We are often the firsts to algorithmically process data from next-generation sensors on next-generation vehicle platforms and work closely with both hardware and software teams to provide the best possible sensor data from our many sensors perfectly aligned to our upstream customers
• To this end, we develop sensor data alignment and calibration algorithms, a growing sensor health backend, and deploy our systems both into the Waymo Driver and our log processing backend
• In this hybrid role, you will report to a Technical Lead Manager
• Dive deep into the Waymo Driver’s perception stack and build a deep understanding of its capabilities in various driving conditions
• Help set the perception development direction to allow the stack to scale to new driving environments, platforms, and sensors
• Collaborate across world-class engineering teams to influence the roadmap for next-generation perception technology
• Architect high-scale, mission-critical automation and evaluation frameworks that establish the “ultimate truth” for the safety, performance, and reliability of the Waymo Driver
• Innovate simulation tools for advanced sensor emulation, rigorously testing vehicle performance against complex impairments and edge-case faults
• Support sign-off process for all stages of sensing system development and software releases. Present results at milestone sign-off reviews

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

• Experience developing and conducting eval for large ML software systems
• 2+ years of experience in industrial AI applications involving the creation, maintenance, and evaluation of ML products
• Strong experience programming in C++ with robust and efficient code
• BS in Computer Science, Robotics, similar technical field of study, or equivalent practical experience
• Experience with autonomous vehicles (L4) or ADAS systems (L2/L3)
• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, similar technical field of study, or equivalent practical experience with at least 2 years of industry experience
• Strong software architecture skills