Senior/Staff Backend Software Engineer - Product

Our Ride and Fleet Backend team is looking for a Senior/Staff Software Engineer to build out the Fleet Dispatch System to efficiently dispatch missions to our robots. Zoox robots take missions like Rideshare Trips, Charging, Cleaning, Return to Depot, R&D missions, and Roaming missions. It is the backbone of our autonomous fleet management system and the brains behind connecting our riders and vehicle operators to our robots!

Responsibilities

• Design and build a scalable, efficient, and robust robotaxis dispatch service.
• Craft and refine algorithms for real-time dispatch optimization and route planning, leveraging operational research techniques.
• Apply operational research methods such as linear programming, integer programming, stochastic processes, and queuing theory to solve complex dispatch problems.
• Use operational research tools for data analysis, forecasting demand, and modeling transport networks to improve robotaxi service efficiency.
• Integrate optimization algorithms into the robotaxi platform.
• Build and use in-house or 3rd-party simulation models to test dispatch optimization algorithms’ effectiveness.
• Conduct detailed operational research studies to continually assess and enhance the dispatch system’s performance.
• Stay updated with the latest trends in operational research, autonomous vehicles, and AI, applying cutting-edge research to our dispatch systems.
• Collaborate with teams of world-class engineers, product managers, technical program managers from diverse backgrounds with expertise in distributed computing, rider experience, web and mobile applications, autonomous driving, mapping, AI, and software infrastructure to understand their needs and incorporate operational research insights into solutions.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Operations Research, or related field.
• Proven experience in algorithm development, with a strong emphasis on operational research methodologies.
• Proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java or Kotlin, or C++.
• Solid background in machine learning, AI, operational research, and data analysis.
• Passion for learning new technologies, domains, and challenging the status quo.
• Strong mathematics skills.
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and quantitative skills.

Bonus Qualification

• PhD in Operations Research, Computer Science, or a related field with a focus on optimization algorithms or AI.
• Experience with GIS and mapping software.
• Experience in transportation, logistics, or autonomous vehicles.
• Experience in building/using fleet simulation tools.
• Ability to lead through ambiguity and work with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to Iterate quickly and efficiently on building end-to-end experiences.
• Experience handling large data sets and scaling service horizontally to a large number of users.
• Experience developing cloud services and an understanding of design for scalability, performance and reliability.
• Knowledge about microservice design patterns and DB access.
• Knowledge of engineering practices and patterns for the full software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, certification, and livesite operations. Compensation: There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. The salary range for this position is $203,000 to $293,000. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position. Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.

About Zoox Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We’re looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast-moving and highly execution-oriented team.
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A Final Note: You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Zoox, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.