Software Engineer - Simulation Graphics and AI/ML

As a Software Engineer - Simulation Graphics and AI/ML at Zoox, your primary responsibilities will include researching, developing, and optimizing state-of-the-art 3D rendering techniques. You’ll collaborate extensively with other teams including Perception and V&V to enhance the realism of sensor data simulation. Furthermore, you will implement metrics to quantitatively demonstrate improvements in sensor fidelity, ensuring that the synthetic data used for training AV AI is of the highest quality.

To qualify for the Software Engineer - Simulation Graphics and AI/ML role at Zoox, you should have at least 5 years of experience in implementing 3D graphics algorithms using Vulkan and OpenGL. Additionally, solid expertise in C++ and Python is essential, along with a strong mathematical background and understanding of 3D linear algebra. Familiarity with neural rendering techniques and frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow is also highly desirable.

For the Software Engineer - Simulation Graphics and AI/ML position at Zoox, you should be proficient in 3D graphics algorithms, particularly using Vulkan and OpenGL. A strong command of modern C++ and Python is a must. Experience with neural rendering techniques, such as Gaussian Splatting and NeRFs, will set you apart. Additionally, familiarity with tools and languages related to generative models for 3D content creation, like Houdini, Maya, or Blender is a bonus.

At Zoox as a Software Engineer - Simulation Graphics and AI/ML, you’ll be working in a dynamic and collaborative environment that fosters innovation. The team is dedicated to creating high-fidelity simulations for autonomous vehicles. You'll have access to the best sensor data and a stellar infrastructure, allowing you to test and validate your algorithms efficiently while teaming up with experts from various fields.

There are substantial career growth opportunities for Software Engineers in Simulation Graphics and AI/ML at Zoox. As technology evolves, you may find chances to lead projects, mentor juniors, or specialize in niche areas like generative modeling or advanced rendering techniques. Additionally, the experience gained in the autonomous vehicle sector is invaluable and positions you better for future roles in tech leadership or specialized engineering roles.

When answering this question, be specific about the projects where you've used Vulkan and OpenGL, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Highlight any innovative solutions you implemented and the impact they had on the overall project. This not only shows your technical proficiency but your problem-solving skills as well.

Start by detailing your approach to performance optimization, such as using level of detail (LOD) techniques, culling, or implementing efficient data structures. Provide examples from past experiences where these optimizations significantly improved rendering performance, showcasing your understanding of real-time graphics processing.

Explain your basic understanding of these techniques and how they differ from traditional rendering. Discuss any applicable projects you’ve worked on involving these methods, emphasizing their potential applications in enhancing realism within simulations, particularly in autonomous vehicle technology.

Talk about the importance of communication and mutual understanding when working with cross-functional teams. Share examples of successful collaborations, focusing on how you facilitated knowledge transfer and addressed differing priorities among team members, thus enhancing project outcomes.

List specific tools and technologies you are familiar with, such as programming languages (C++, Python), rendering engines (Unity, Unreal), and any relevant libraries. It’s helpful to articulate how these tools contributed to project successes and your personal development.

Discuss your methodology for developing realism metrics, including any benchmarks or evaluation frameworks you’ve used. Mention how these metrics guide your iterative improvements in sensor simulations and how this affects the larger goals of the team.

Choose a challenge that showcases your technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Detail the problem, your thought process for addressing it, and the successful resolution. Highlight any lessons learned and how they have influenced your work ethic.

Share specific resources you use, whether they are academic papers, online courses, or industry conferences. Highlight your personal commitment to continuous learning and how this has benefited your work in past projects.

Communicate your openness to feedback as a positive way to enhance your projects. You might discuss an instance where constructive criticism led to a breakthrough in your work, emphasizing that collaboration improves quality and innovation.

Articulate your passion for the intersection of technology, creativity, and real-world impact. Share specific examples, such as projects that inspired you, and explain how they shaped your career goals, particularly in teams focused on autonomous vehicles.