Software Engineer II

As a Software Engineer II - Vehicle Control at Aurora, your responsibilities include developing software for infrastructure and on-board functionality, working with control and planning software, and innovating solutions to automate testing in a safety-critical environment. You'll also engage in developing robotics frameworks across hardware devices and contribute to enhancing the autonomous vehicle’s on-road behavior, utilizing your C++ and Python skills effectively.

To qualify for the Software Engineer II - Vehicle Control position at Aurora, candidates should have a solid background in software development, particularly in C++. Experience in robotics or a related field, along with excellent problem-solving skills and an understanding of software architecture design best practices, will greatly enhance your candidacy.

Software Engineers II - Vehicle Control at Aurora primarily work with C++ and Python within Linux-based environments. Mastery in these programming languages is essential, especially for developing software that interacts with autonomous vehicle systems and robotics frameworks.

The salary range for a Software Engineer II - Vehicle Control at Aurora is between $126,000 and $201,000 per year. This base salary is determined by several factors, including your job-related skills, experience level, relevant education or training, and market conditions.

While it's not strictly required, experience in a regulated, safety-critical, or quality-managed environment is highly desirable for the Software Engineer II - Vehicle Control role at Aurora. Familiarity with automotive, aerospace, or robotics control systems can significantly advantage your application.

When answering this question, detail specific projects where you've effectively utilized C++. Highlight your proficiency by discussing the application of C++ in developing systems or functionalities, particularly in robotics or autonomous vehicles, to demonstrate relevant expertise.

Share a structured approach to problem-solving, including how you identify issues, analyze them, and develop solutions. Incorporate examples from your past experience, particularly where your solutions enhanced safety or performance in a project as a Software Engineer II.

Articulate the importance of safety-critical software, especially in the context of autonomous vehicles. Mention best practices like rigorous testing and validation, and how you ensure compliance with safety standards in your software deployments.

Discuss any projects where you've utilized testing frameworks, detailing the types of testing you implemented (for example, simulation or hardware in the loop). Emphasize how these frameworks were essential for verifying functionality and safety in your projects.

Describe your experience with simulation tools, outlining how you've used them to test and validate software features. Provide examples of how simulations have led to improvements in your software's control systems and their direct impact on vehicle behaviors.

Explain your approaches to performance optimization, focusing on real scenarios where you improved speed or efficiency in your software applications. Discuss techniques such as code refactoring, algorithm improvements, or resource management.

Reliance on ongoing education is key. Discuss your methods of staying current, like attending relevant conferences, participating in workshops, engaging with online courses, or following industry leaders to keep your knowledge fresh and relevant in the fast-evolving field of autonomous vehicles.

Address how you view feedback as an opportunity for growth. Describe a situation where you've successfully taken feedback to improve your design, emphasizing your adaptability and willingness to enhance your coding practices.

Talk about your experience with version control systems like Git, agile methodologies, or specific collaboration tools that facilitate teamwork. Be sure to mention how these tools have improved communication and productivity in your projects.

Prepare to discuss specific challenges like ensuring safety, managing data from multiple sensors, and meeting regulatory standards. Showcase your understanding of the industry's complexities and how you plan to address such challenges as a Software Engineer II.