Software Engineering Manager: Platform Software - Operating Systems and Vehicle Configuration

The Software Engineering Manager at Zoox is primarily responsible for overseeing the development and maintenance of platform-level software, including custom operating systems and vehicle configuration. You will lead a talented team focusing on kernel configurations, developing system services, managing software builds, and implementing in-field update mechanisms. Moreover, ensuring OS security and maintaining the hardware-in-the-loop CI infrastructure are also key duties that contribute to the success of autonomous driving technology.

To be considered for the Software Engineering Manager role at Zoox, candidates should have at least 2 years of experience managing teams that deliver production-level software. A solid grasp of operating system internals, as well as expertise in Linux and build systems like Yocto, is essential. Additionally, strong communication skills, a proven track record in cross-functional project management, and proficiency in programming languages like C or C++ are required. Bonus qualifications include expertise in GPU architecture and experience in robotics.

In the Software Engineering Manager role at Zoox, collaboration is key! You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, release management, and operations. This vibrant teamwork ensures that vehicle development and deployments occur at scale while effectively addressing challenges like software updates and ensuring runtime configurations are seamless across the fleet. Your leadership will foster an environment where different expertise converges to optimize our autonomous vehicles.

At Zoox, the compensation for a Software Engineering Manager ranges from $210,000 to $303,000. This competitive package includes not just a salary but also Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. Additionally, candidates may receive a sign-on bonus, enhancing the overall remuneration. Compensation varies based on experience, geographical location, and contribution level, reflecting the value Zoox places on talent.

Joining Zoox as a Software Engineering Manager opens doors to unique opportunities in the autonomous driving field. You’ll contribute to pioneering technology that integrates robotics and transportation, while also mentoring emerging talents in a fast-paced environment. With a focus on problem-solving and innovation, you will be at the forefront of shaping the future of mobility-as-a-service, making meaningful contributions to sustainable urban transportation solutions.

When answering this question, draw on specific examples of your past leadership roles, discussing how you hired, mentored, and guided your teams to success. Highlight any challenges faced and the strategies implemented to overcome them, illustrating your ability to foster high-performing teams while meeting project goals.

To tackle this question, provide a structured overview of your project management approach. Discuss how you communicate with different stakeholders, set clear objectives, and adapt to shifting priorities. Use a detailed example from a project where collaboration was pivotal, showcasing your skills in ensuring seamless communication between departments.

In responding to this inquiry, share your direct experience with Linux, emphasizing any projects where you customized kernel configurations or worked with build systems like Yocto. Discuss your familiarity with device drivers and running Linux-based systems, providing insights into the roles those experiences play in contributing to platform efficiency and security.

This question can be addressed by outlining the critical security strategies you've employed in past projects. Discuss how you stay updated with new security vulnerabilities, your process for implementing security measures during development, and conducting regular audits of systems to ensure they meet security standards.

Reflect on a specific project where you faced a significant challenge and detail your method for resolving it. Focus on the problem, the analysis process, the connection with team members for input, and the final solution. This will illustrate your problem-solving skills and capacity to navigate complex software issues.

Here, you should share your approach to team-building, including your methods for hiring top talent and the techniques you use to foster collaboration. Discuss the importance of creating a supportive and empowering environment for your team to thrive, including providing opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning.

In your response, outline the systems and tools you are familiar with, discussing any specific software build processes you've managed. Explain how you would implement procedures to streamline builds, maintain version control, and ensure the authorization process enhances both security and efficiency.

When discussing HIL testing, explain your previous hands-on experiences and the significance of incorporating HIL in the software validation process. Talk about the equipment and tools used in your prior roles, and how you integrated HIL testing to ensure reliable software performance in a real-world environment.

To effectively answer this, discuss the principles behind adaptive runtime behavior and provide examples of past implementations. Highlight your strategy for assessing different scenarios where adaptations are necessary, and how you’ve successfully coded and tested adaptive behaviors in software systems.

This question is your opportunity to express your passion for innovation and autonomous vehicles. Share specific aspects of Zoox's mission that excite you, such as its commitment to sustainable urban mobility and its ground-breaking technology. Articulate how your skills and experiences align with their goals, making a case for how you can contribute to their visionary projects.