Staff Software Engineer, Simulation Test - job 1 of 2

As a Staff Software Engineer in the Simulation Test team at Cruise, your primary responsibilities will include designing and implementing automated testing pipelines, coordinating expansion testing activities across teams, and maintaining high-quality code standards. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams to gather insights and communicate results to leadership, ensuring our autonomous vehicle simulations provide accurate validation of vehicle behaviors.

To apply for the Staff Software Engineer position at Cruise, you should have a BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science or equivalent experience. A minimum of 6 years of coding experience in Python or C++, along with substantial experience in developing test frameworks and managing simulation tests, is essential. An innate curiosity for innovative problem-solving and strong communication skills are also critical to thrive in this role.

For the Staff Software Engineer role in Simulation Test at Cruise, proficiency in Python and/or C++ is required. These programming languages are fundamental for developing scalable testing pipelines and frameworks that ensure the accuracy and reliability of our autonomous vehicles.

The Staff Software Engineer in Simulation Test plays a crucial role in enhancing autonomous vehicle safety by implementing automated testing frameworks that validate vehicle behavior. By delivering precise, reliable testing products, this role cultivates confidence in the autonomous features of Cruise’s vehicles, ultimately contributing to a safer driving experience for the public.

In the Staff Software Engineer role on the Simulation Test team at Cruise, you'll collaborate with a variety of teams, including data scientists, machine learning engineers, and product managers. These partnerships are critical for extracting and interpreting testing signals to inform operational readiness decisions, allowing you to have a direct impact on the evolution of self-driving technology.

When answering this question, focus on specific frameworks you've developed or worked with. Detail the impact these had on testing efficiency and product readiness. Discuss any challenges faced during implementation and how you overcame them.

Explain your approach to code reviews and architectural design. Mention any specific methodologies you use, such as test-driven development, and your emphasis on maintaining a consistent standard among team members.

Share your understanding of the role of simulations in autonomous vehicle development. Highlight any experience you have with simulation frameworks and how you've used them to validate vehicle behavior in past roles.

Discuss your strategies for effective communication and collaboration among different teams. Provide examples of how you've navigated organizational complexities to successfully implement testing protocols.

Speak from the heart about your enthusiasm for self-driving technology and its potential to change lives. Relate this passion to your career goals and how it aligns with Cruise’s mission.

Describe a specific problem, detailing the methodology you used to find a solution. Highlight the outcome and any lasting improvements this solution brought to your project or team.

Explain your organizational strategies and how you assess the urgency and importance of tasks. Mention any tools or frameworks you utilize to ensure timely deliverables.

Share your perspective on constructive criticism and the value of collaborative improvement in a team environment. Offer examples of how you’ve applied feedback to enhance your work.

Discuss any relevant experience you have with analyzing testing metrics and how you leveraged this data to improve testing outcomes. Mention any tools or software that you are familiar with.

Articulate a vision for the future of autonomous vehicles, incorporating trends you’ve observed in technology and consumer behavior. Relate this back to how you could contribute to achieving this future at Cruise.