Senior Software Engineer, Next Gen Compute

About the role

You will design and implement high-performance computing architectures to support our autonomous vehicle platforms. This role focuses on building scalable software systems that process complex sensor data in real-time. You will own the definition of compute infrastructure requirements that translate vehicle platform needs into robust software architectures. The position demands close collaboration with cross-functional engineering groups to ensure alignment between software capabilities and hardware constraints. You will be responsible for delivering software solutions that meet stringent performance, reliability, and latency targets. This role provides the opportunity to influence the foundational compute stack for next-generation autonomous systems. You will contribute to the establishment of engineering best practices that drive consistency and excellence across the compute team. Your work will directly impact the efficiency and capability of the software that powers autonomous perception and planning.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Architect and develop software solutions for next-generation autonomous driving compute platforms, translating abstract requirements into concrete system designs.
• Optimize system performance to handle high-throughput sensor data and compute-intensive tasks, identifying bottlenecks and implementing targeted improvements.
• Collaborate with hardware and robotics teams to integrate software with vehicle compute units, ensuring seamless interoperability and efficient data flow.
• Establish standards for code quality, system reliability, and performance benchmarking to create a consistent and measurable engineering environment.
• Design and implement low-latency data processing pipelines that enable real-time analysis of heterogeneous sensor inputs.
• Evaluate emerging compute technologies and assess their applicability to autonomous vehicle workloads, driving innovation in the platform.
• Develop tools for monitoring, debugging, and diagnosing compute infrastructure in both development and production environments.
• Partner with software reliability engineers to define observability strategies and ensure system robustness under diverse conditions.
• Contribute to the evolution of the software stack by refactoring legacy components and introducing modern architectural patterns.
• Support the integration of software releases with continuous integration and deployment workflows specific to embedded compute targets.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree or higher in Computer Science, Robotics, or a related engineering field, providing a foundational understanding of computational principles.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in software engineering, demonstrating sustained involvement in complex software projects.
• Proficiency in C++ and experience with low-level systems programming, including memory management and concurrency control.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain high-performance, distributed, or real-time systems that meet strict operational requirements.
• Experience with version control systems, specifically Git, to manage source code across collaborative engineering efforts.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the capacity to debug intricate software issues in multi-threaded environments.
• Effective communication skills necessary for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and articulating technical concepts clearly.
• Willingness to work within the standard employment policies and operational frameworks defined by the Motional organization.

Nice to have

• Experience with GPU programming or hardware acceleration, including frameworks such as CUDA or OpenCL.
• Background in autonomous vehicle software stacks or robotics middleware, such as ROS or similar frameworks.
• Familiarity with safety-critical software development standards and the implications for software verification.

Practical notes

• Motional provides comprehensive benefits packages including health, dental, and vision coverage.
• All applications must be submitted through the official Motional careers portal.
• This role is based in either Boston, Massachusetts, United States or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, with full-time engagement expected.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for this position at this time.
• The position requires the ability to occasionally attend team meetings and collaborative sessions as dictated by project timelines.
• Travel is not required for this role under the current assignment definition.
• This position is not contingent on visa sponsorship at the time of posting.
• The listed location details specify where the role is situated and the associated work expectations.
• Applicants are encouraged to review the full description in the official careers portal for the most current information.
• The job description may be updated to reflect evolving project needs and technological priorities.
• Interested candidates should ensure they meet the stated requirements before proceeding with an application.
• The selection process may involve technical assessments and interviews to evaluate candidate suitability.
• Final hiring decisions will be made based on a combination of technical competence, experience, and team fit.
• Compensation details are not included in this public job description and will be discussed during the hiring process.
• The engagement type for this role is classified as full-time employment.
• This position is part of the Next Gen Compute team focused on advancing computational capabilities for autonomous systems.
• The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to Motional's engineering standards and code of conduct.
• This role represents a significant opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technology in the autonomous vehicle industry.