Senior/Staff Software Engineer - C++ Simulation Platform

Foster City, CA hybrid Until 8/24/2026 6+ years exp H-1B sponsor history First posted June 25, 2026 Last posted June 25, 2026
Job description
Simulation is essential for Zoox to rapidly iterate on our driving software and hardware, and to validate our safety before we drive in the real world. We create virtual worlds to challenge our robots, from real-world data, entirely novel scenarios, or a combination of both. Our simulations need to run at a huge scale to cover everything that might happen, and to help prove our driving to be safe.

As a Simulation C++ Platform Engineer, you will build the architecture on which simulation relies, with a specific focus on our high-speed, GPU-based simulation framework. Our success depends on you building solid, deterministic foundations that enable rapid scaling of our ML training pipelines and ensure seamless integration across the entire self-driving software stack.

In this role, you will:

  • Architect and support foundational simulation software, focusing heavily on execution frameworks and latency optimization.
  • Own the interface between our high-speed GPU simulation framework and the rest of the self-driving software stack.
  • Improve simulation performance directly and build self-serve systems that accelerate the work of autonomy and ML engineers.
  • Ensure the deterministic execution, precise timing, and reproducibility of all simulation results at scale.
  • Collaborate closely with ML experts to bridge fidelity gaps between fast simulations and high-fidelity 3D environments.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's or Master's in computer science, mathematics, physics, or a related field.
  • 6+ years of experience in a related software engineering field.
  • Deep expertise in modern C++ software development and system architecture.
  • System design experience, specifically building deterministic software in distributed computer clusters.
  • Strong understanding of execution frameworks, latency optimization, and memory management.

Bonus Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with spatial reinforcement learning or modern ML frameworks (e.g., JAX, PyTorch).
  • Automotive, robotics, or AAA video game industry experience.
  • Familiarity with PubSub systems.
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):
245000–305000 USD per year

About this role

Summary

Develop and optimize high-speed, deterministic simulation software for self-driving cars.

Job title

Senior/Staff Software Engineer - C++ Simulation Platform

Experience level

6+ years

Minimum experience

6+ years exp

Industry

software

Location requirements

Foster City, CA; remote work not specified

Salary

$245k–$305k

Visa sponsorship

H-1B sponsor history

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

modern C++system architecturedeterministic softwareexecution frameworkslatency optimizationmemory management

Preferred skills

spatial reinforcement learningML frameworksroboticsAAA video gamesPubSub systems

Specializations

C++simulationhigh-speedGPUdistributed systems
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Foster City, CA, USA

Hybrid City