Staff Software Engineer – Simulation Vehicle Modeling

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Michigan.

📋 Description

• Take ownership and enhance the technical architecture for scalable vehicle modeling and simulation across various vehicle types, sensor platforms, and fleet diversity.

• Develop and manage high-fidelity truck and vehicle dynamics models that encompass nominal, off-nominal, and failure-mode simulation domains.

• Establish and promote statistical validation metrics that support Safety Case assertions and driver-out certification.

• Design and expand robustness testing frameworks, including interactions between controllers and planners.

• Create, develop, and sustain high-fidelity simulation platforms for evaluating closed-loop autonomous-driving software at scale.

• Collaborate with autonomy engineering teams to determine vehicle model requirements for planning, controls, and system-level V&V.

• Articulate model capabilities, limitations, and release notes to various stakeholder teams.

• Mitigate regressions in autonomy V&V system performance using automated regression frameworks.

• Implement the complete software development lifecycle primarily in C++ within Linux and ROS/ROS2, employing Lean-Agile methodologies.

• Conduct root cause analysis on simulation and hardware-in-the-loop challenges.

• Lead test-plan design for data acquisition and telemetry that supports field data collection and vehicle-model improvements.

• Set the course for system-level test plans and verification strategies within the simulation organization.

• Discuss technical direction, design choices, and challenges during stand-ups, design reviews, and architecture discussions.

• Build partnerships with OEM collaborators and simulation-tool vendors to assess, integrate, and co-develop capabilities.

• Mentor engineers while enhancing code quality, processes, and testing rigor.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 10+ years of relevant experience; or a Master's Degree in the aforementioned fields with 7+ years; or a PhD with 3+ years.

• Profound expertise in C++ (primary), Python for tooling, ROS/ROS2, CMake, and Linux.

• Strong foundation in physics-based modeling of ground vehicles, including longitudinal/lateral dynamics, tire models, and powertrains.

• Familiarity with AV autonomy stack architecture encompassing planning, controls, and system integration.

• Ability to communicate vehicle model capabilities and limitations to autonomy engineering teams and gather their requirements.

• Experience in defining statistical validation metrics and robustness testing frameworks that support formal safety case claims.

• Background in unit, integration, and regression testing, automated validation pipelines, and large-scale simulation-based performance benchmarking.

• Proven record of achieving technical consensus across simulation, autonomy, controls, product, and safety teams.

• Capability to manage and maintain essential technical systems across multiple repositories and contribute to cross-organizational architectural decisions.

• Advanced-level professional with significant independence in judgment and minimal oversight.

• History of mentoring engineers and influencing technical direction within simulation and autonomy sectors.

🏝️ Benefits

• A competitive compensation package including a bonus component and stock options.

• 100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision premiums for full-time employees.

• 401K plan with a 6% employer match.

• Flexible scheduling options.

• Generous paid vacation available immediately upon starting.

• Company-wide holiday office closures.

• AD+D and Life Insurance coverage.

• Possibility of sign-on bonuses, relocation assistance, and additional forms of compensation as part of the overall compensation package.