Manager, Software Core Firmware Validation

Zoox

San Diego, CA hybrid Until 8/22/2026 8+ years exp H-1B sponsor history First posted June 19, 2026 Last posted June 19, 2026

Job description

In the role of SW Core Firmware Validation Engineering Manager, you will be helping to define and execute the strategic verification and validation vision of the software system engineering teams at Zoox. You will direct the activities of a team of Software core component verification and validation engineers while coordinating and collaborating with other firmware, software, release management and vehicle engineering teams at Zoox. You will strive to develop industry-best testing methodologies targeting on-vehicle bootloaders, device drivers, networking stacks, operating systems, modern C++ frameworks, middleware, libraries and system services running on POSIX and non-POSIX real-time operating systems with an unwavering focus on safety-assurance and reliability.

In this role, you will:

Lead a group of component verification and validation engineers and be responsible for the team’s strategy, productivity, and impact within SW Core as well as Zoox as a whole
Provide discipline and rigor in the application of industry best practices around test design, test development, test automation, defect management, and reporting
Refine, propagate, and promote the best practices of firmware validation teams, elevating the firmware validation activities across Zoox
Coaching and career development, enabling team members to grow individually and in their ability to execute on complex V&V activities together
Review and refine software requirements in the interest of testability
Manage the transition between component-level V&V and vehicle-level V&V

Qualifications

B.S or higher in Automotive, Aerospace, Robotics, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Science or Systems Engineering.
8+ years with 2+ years of leading direct reports
Experience leading the testing and release management of high-assurance software
Experience with software-defined vehicle architecture
Experience with project, task, and performance management of a team of test engineers
Experience tackling complex configuration management challenges
Experience with software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop testing strategies

Bonus Qualifications

C++ expertise
Automotive-centric software frameworks (e.g. AUTOSAR), development/process standards (e.g. MISRA, ASPICE) and physical interfaces/protocols (Automotive Ethernet, CAN bus, UDS/DoIP/DoCAN)
Validation of bootloaders, secure boot, secure firmware update (e.g. OTA)
Validation of embedded real-time and POSIX operating systems and applications built upon them

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.

Accommodations

If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to [email protected] or your assigned recruiter.

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.

Compensation (from employer):
198000–249000 USD per year

About this role

Summary

Lead firmware validation team testing safety-critical software on vehicle systems.

Job title

Manager, Software Core Firmware Validation

Experience level

8+ years

Minimum experience

8+ years exp

Industry

software

Location requirements

San Diego, CA; remote work possible

Salary

$198k–$249k

Visa sponsorship

H-1B sponsor history

Management role

Yes

Skills & keywords

Required skills

C++software testingconfiguration managementhardware-in-the-loopsoftware-in-the-loop

Preferred skills

AUTOSARMISRAASPICEAutomotive EthernetCAN bus

Specializations

firmware validationembedded real-time systemssoftware-in-the-loophardware-in-the-loopPOSIX

Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

San Diego, CA, USA

Hybrid City

California, USA

Remote State