Systems Engineer, Vehicle Security

As a Systems Engineer for Vehicle Security at Waymo, your primary responsibilities include developing comprehensive security requirements that align with our vehicle platform security strategy, creating detailed security requirements for software interfaces, and collaborating with OEMs to implement network security architecture. You will also develop and execute verification and validation plans, oversee the delivery timing of feature sets for our vehicles, and troubleshoot security-related issues. Your pivotal role ensures safe and secure communication systems across our revolutionary autonomous vehicle platforms.

To qualify for the Systems Engineer position at Waymo, you should hold a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Additionally, a deep understanding of vehicle communication networks and protocols, alongside at least three years of experience in automotive security, is essential. Familiarity with tools and concepts like Autosar SecOC and security services in ISO14229-1 UDS will also be advantageous to enable you to thrive in this role.

Waymo places immense importance on vehicle security and that’s why the Systems Engineer in Vehicle Security will develop comprehensive security requirements, devise verification and validation (V&V) plans, and conduct rigorous tests to analyze results. You will create and manage security concepts such as Digital Key and secure over-the-air (SOTA) updates. By working closely with various teams to implement these security measures, you ensure that our autonomous vehicles maintain the highest performance standard while keeping passengers safe.

As a Systems Engineer focused on Vehicle Security at Waymo, you will engage in developing and owning security requirements, working on projects related to vehicle communication systems, enhancing network security architecture, and implementing innovative solutions like Digital Keys. You will also oversee the timing of feature set deliveries and assist in troubleshooting security issues, making you central to advancing our autonomous driving capabilities.

The expected base salary range for a Systems Engineer role specializing in Vehicle Security at Waymo varies across U.S. locations, with a range of $217,000 to $275,000 USD. Actual starting pay will depend on various factors, including the candidate's experience and the specific work location. Additionally, Waymo provides employees with perks like a discretionary annual bonus program and generous benefits, further enhancing the overall compensation package.

In your answer, elaborate on specific experiences with communication protocols such as CAN, FlexRay, or LIN. Provide concrete examples of projects where you designed or implemented security features within vehicle communication systems, highlighting any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Focus on industry best practices, such as implementing multifactor authentication, regular software updates, encryption, and intrusion detection systems. Mention your awareness of standards like ISO/SAE 21434 and discuss how you'd tailor these security measures to fit specific automotive contexts, ensuring passenger safety.

Discuss your approach towards time management and prioritization, mentioning tools or methodologies you use (like Agile or Kanban). Offer an example to illustrate how you successfully managed competing deadlines in the past while ensuring project quality and security compliance.

Share a specific incident where you identified and addressed a security vulnerability. Explain the steps you took to analyze the issue, your role in resolving it, and the final result. Emphasize teamwork and communication as key components of your approach.

Mention any formal tools or frameworks that you are familiar with (such as V-Model, Agile testing, etc.), and describe how you have applied them in previous roles to ensure rigorous testing of software or hardware systems in automotive contexts.

Discuss your understanding of Autosar SecOC principles and how it plays a role in securing automotive communication. If applicable, provide examples where you applied these standards to improve security measures in past projects.

Emphasize the importance of communication and collaboration among various teams such as software engineers, hardware engineers, and OEMs. Share examples that illustrate how effective teamwork led to successful security implementations and project outcomes.

Highlight the benefits of OTA updates for maintaining software security, emphasizing the need for secure communication channels and robust testing before deployment. Share your insights on how you would enhance the security of OTA processes in automotive systems.

Detail an experience where you successfully navigated discussions with an OEM, focusing on establishing clear, actionable technical requirements. Illustrate your negotiation techniques and how you ensured all parties were aligned on security expectations.

Craft a thoughtful response that reflects your passion for innovative technologies and the transformative potential of autonomous vehicles. Connect your values and career goals with Waymo's mission to enhance mobility and improve safety through technology.