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Staff Software Engineer

Who We Are

Aurora’s mission is to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly to make transportation safer, increasingly accessible, and more reliable and efficient than ever before. The Aurora Driver will create a new era in mobility and logistics, one that will bring a safer, more efficient, and more accessible future to everyone.

At Aurora, you'll solve massively complex problems alongside other passionate, smart people, growing as an expert while broadening your field of knowledge. For Aurora’s latest news, visit aurora.tech or follow us on LinkedIn.

Aurora (Nasdaq: AUR) is delivering the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly to make transportation safer, increasingly accessible, and more reliable and efficient than ever before. The Aurora Driver is a self-driving system designed to operate multiple vehicle types, from freight-hauling semi-trucks to ride-hailing passenger vehicles, and underpins Aurora Horizon and Aurora Connect, its driver-as-a-service products for trucking and ride-hailing. Aurora is working with industry leaders across the transportation ecosystem, including Toyota, FedEx, Volvo Trucks, PACCAR, Uber, Uber Freight, U.S. Xpress, Werner, Covenant, Schneider, and Ryder. For Aurora’s latest news, visit aurora.tech and @aurora_inno on Twitter.

Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all. We are searching for a Staff Software Engineer in the Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) Platform team.  

The team is responsible for designing and maintaining the HIL infrastructure to accelerate development, automated testing and deployment of Aurora software. 

In this role, you will

  • Write high-quality, highly testable code in a fast-paced environment using Modern C++  
  • Create real-time software modules to induce and verify fault conditions in software modules
  • Implement high-throughput, real-time sensor playback mechanisms to reproduce complex real-world scenarios
  • Contribute to the development of scalable and robust automated testing framework 
  • Contribute to engineering best practices in a large and complex code base
  • Support the overall V&V of the Aurora Driver
  • Collaborate with internal teams such as Deployment, Embedded, Perception and vehicle subsystems.
  • Contribute to the strategy of hardware-based testing of the Aurora Driver software 

Required Qualifications

  • Strong software development skills using modern C++ (11, 14, 17, 20)
  • Experience writing high-quality, highly testable code in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience working with any one of the following - Camera systems, Lidar or Radar 
  • Experience debugging complex hardware/software systems and interactions
  • Experience designing high performance software infrastructure
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field
  • Minimum 5+ years of professional experience 
  • C++ development in large codebases
  • Real-time software development
  • Linux fundamentals and system architecture knowledge

 

Desirable Qualifications

  • Experience with CANBus architecture 
  • Experience working on Sensor drivers 
  • Experience with real-time simulation
  • Experience with the Go Programming language

Pay Range: 

The base salary range for this position is $171,000 - $273,000.  Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

 #LI-DAR

#WS1

#Mid-Senior

Aurora considers candidates without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy status, parent or caregiver status, ancestry, political affiliation, veteran and/or military status, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected by federal or state law. Aurora considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at careersiteaccommodations@aurora.tech.

For California applicants, information collected and processed as part of your application and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Aurora’s California Employment Privacy Policy.

To learn more about life at Aurora please visit our company culture page. 

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Average salary estimate

$222000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$171000K
$273000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Staff Software Engineer , Aurora Innovation

At Aurora, we’re on a mission to revolutionize transportation with our exceptional self-driving technology, and we're looking for a talented Staff Software Engineer to join our Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) Platform team in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of automotive innovation! In your role, you'll be crafting high-quality, maintainable code in modern C++, which is not just about writing great software but building real-time modules that validate our cutting-edge technology. You’ll handle exciting tasks such as implementing high-throughput sensor playback mechanisms and contributing to a robust automated testing framework, ensuring that our technology meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. Collaborating with diverse internal teams, you'll help support the verification and validation of the Aurora Driver system while playing a key role in strategic development. We value diversity and are eager to welcome those from all backgrounds who share our passion for safer roads and improved mobility. If you have a solid foundation in software development, particularly in C++, and a desire to push boundaries with autonomous vehicles, we invite you to explore this opportunity at Aurora, where your expertise will have a real impact on the future of transportation. Join us as we set new benchmarks in mobility, making transportation safer, more efficient, and accessible for all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Staff Software Engineer Role at Aurora Innovation
What responsibilities does a Staff Software Engineer have at Aurora?

A Staff Software Engineer at Aurora is responsible for writing high-quality code using modern C++, designing and maintaining HIL infrastructure, creating real-time software modules to test fault conditions, and developing automated testing frameworks. This role requires collaboration with internal teams and contributing to the overall testing and verification of the Aurora Driver software.

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What qualifications are required for a Staff Software Engineer position at Aurora?

To be a successful Staff Software Engineer at Aurora, candidates must have a strong background in modern C++ programming, experience in debugging complex hardware/software systems, and a degree in Computer Science or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in software development within large codebases.

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How does a Staff Software Engineer contribute to automated testing at Aurora?

In the Staff Software Engineer role at Aurora, you'll contribute to the development of a scalable automated testing framework that verifies the functionality and reliability of the Aurora Driver. Your work will help simulate real-world scenarios and ensure that our autonomous systems operate seamlessly across various conditions.

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What programming languages are essential for the Staff Software Engineer role at Aurora?

The primary programming language for the Staff Software Engineer role at Aurora is modern C++ (versions 11, 14, 17, 20), but experience with Go and familiarity with Linux system architecture can also be beneficial, particularly in dealing with real-time software and hardware interactions.

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What is the pay range for a Staff Software Engineer at Aurora?

The base salary range for a Staff Software Engineer position at Aurora is between $171,000 and $273,000, depending on various factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and market conditions. Additionally, candidates may be eligible for annual bonuses, equity compensation, and benefits.

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Common Interview Questions for Staff Software Engineer
Can you explain your experience with modern C++?

When discussing your experience with modern C++, be sure to highlight specific projects where you used features from different C++ versions. Mention how you implemented strong type checking, smart pointers, and other relevant improvements that enhance code safety and maintainability.

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How do you approach debugging complex systems?

When faced with debugging complex hardware/software systems, I typically start by isolating the components involved. I use logging and diagnostic tools to trace issues, and I rely on systematic testing to pinpoint the problems. Sharing a unique instance where this process helped you can further illustrate your proficiency.

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Describe a challenging software problem you solved.

Reflect on a challenging issue that required innovative thinking. Keep your answer concise, outlining the problem, your analysis, and the steps you took to develop a solution. Be sure to emphasize the skills you applied, which align with the requirements for a Staff Software Engineer at Aurora.

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What is your experience with real-time software development?

Discuss your understanding of real-time systems, including examples from previous projects where timing and performance were critical. Elaborate on your skills in ensuring predictable execution and how you managed resource constraints effectively.

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How do you ensure code quality in your projects?

To maintain high code quality, I employ thorough code reviews, adhere to coding standards, and write comprehensive unit tests. Ensuring that my code is highly testable also builds a strong basis for long-term maintenance and enhancement.

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What tools or methodologies do you use for testing software?

In my experience, I utilize automated testing frameworks and continuous integration tools. I also apply TDD (Test-Driven Development) techniques to streamline the development process and ensure robust functionalities before deployment.

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Can you elaborate on your experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing?

I have worked on HIL testing setups where I integrated software components with physical hardware to simulate real-world scenarios. This not only helps in validating system behavior but also in identifying integration challenges early in the development lifecycle.

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How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams?

I believe in open communication and defining clear roles within cross-functional teams. I make it a priority to keep all stakeholders updated on progress and challenges while also being receptive to feedback, ensuring that everyone is aligned toward our common goals.

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What is your understanding of CANBus architecture?

I have a solid understanding of the CANBus architecture, which is crucial for automotive applications. I can discuss how this protocol enables communication among various vehicle components and the importance of its error-handling capabilities in maintaining system reliability.

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Why do you want to work at Aurora as a Staff Software Engineer?

When answering this, connect your passion for automotive technology and safety with Aurora’s mission. Emphasize how the challenges and opportunities at Aurora align with your career goals and aspirations, making it clear that you’re excited to contribute to their vision.

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Our mission is to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly. To deliver this, we are building the Aurora Driver, a platform that brings together our software, hardware, and data services to power all types of veh...

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March 29, 2025

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