Principal Software Engineer, Robot Software

Stack

Responsibilities

• ▹Define a 12-24 month technical strategy and roadmap in partnership with leadership
• ▹Lead the design of complex, cross-functional systems, ensuring the robot layer integrates seamlessly with broader embodied AI algorithms
• ▹Set the bar for code quality, testing rigor, and observability, leading design reviews for critical components
• ▹Act as technical bridge between Robot Software and Hardware, Production Software, Simulation, Application Software, Data Platform, and DevOps
• ▹Mentor Senior and Staff engineers through high-level coaching and by modeling principled decision-making
• ▹Provide variable-depth engagement, from directional steering on long-term R&D to deep dives on critical path blockers

Requirements

• ▹Deep experience in robotics middleware (ROS2, Cyber RT, or custom IPCs) and real-time systems
• ▹Mastery of C++ (17/20) with a focus on memory management and concurrency, plus proficiency in Python
• ▹Proven track record shipping complex autonomous, distributed, or safety-critical embedded systems
• ▹Ability to debug hard-to-find problems across the hardware/software boundary
• ▹Exceptional communication skills to explain complex technical trade-offs to non-technical stakeholders

Soft skills

What we offer

• ▹Competitive equity package
• ▹Hybrid working policy based in Sunnyvale, CA
• ▹Estimated salary range $295,500–$375,100

About the company

Wayve builds embodied AI for the physical world, starting with autonomous driving, pioneering the AV2.0 approach with its GAIA and LINGO foundation model families, tested zero-shot across hundreds of cities.