Backend Software Engineer Jobs at Waymo with Visa Sponsorship
Waymo builds the software systems behind autonomous vehicles, and Backend Software Engineers here work on distributed infrastructure, real-time data pipelines, and safety-critical services at scale. Waymo has a consistent track record of sponsoring work visas for this function, supporting candidates through H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, and Green Card pathways.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver—The World's Most Experienced Driver™—to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo’s fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.
Software Engineering in the Hardware organization is where software meets the physical world. You will work on critical systems that manage autonomous vehicle functions, with teams such as Sensing, Vehicle Integration, Positioning, Motion Control, Fault Management, Onboard Automation and Embedded Simulation. We are looking for strong generalist software engineers to work across a wide array of domains, including embedded, controls, sensor processing, manufacturing calibration, simulation, data analysis, and also building higher-level state machines, interfaces and flows for fault management and automation.
You will have a direct & material impact on the ability of Waymo to scale to more vehicles and cities.
This role follows a hybrid work schedule and you will report to a Software Engineer.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
You will:
- Develop high-quality vertically-integrated C++ software systems (on-vehicle and off-vehicle software) to manage autonomous vehicle functions.
- Analyze field data (logs) and simulation results.
- Participate in cross-functional workflows (e.g., requirement reviews, project planning).
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
You have:
- Degree (BS, MS) in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or similar or equivalent practical experience.
- At least 2+ years of professional experience developing production software in modern C++ (i.e., C++17, C++20, etc.)
- This role is specifically for C++ and not for C/C++.
- Experience in at least one of: real-time / embedded systems or complex / distributed systems.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
We prefer:
- Experience developing for and troubleshooting complex / distributed systems (e.g., vehicle gateway, backend software).
- In-depth understanding of microcontroller-based Embedded Systems and associated development and debugging tools.
- Working experience with safety critical systems / functional safety.
- Open source projects that demonstrate dedication to crafting high quality C++ software.
COMPENSATION
The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process.
- Salary Range: $170,000—$216,000 USD
Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo’s discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.
LOCATION
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES
JOB TYPE
FULL-TIME
DEPARTMENT
HARDWARE ENGINEERING
INTRODUCTION
Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver—The World's Most Experienced Driver™—to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo’s fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.
Software Engineering in the Hardware organization is where software meets the physical world. You will work on critical systems that manage autonomous vehicle functions, with teams such as Sensing, Vehicle Integration, Positioning, Motion Control, Fault Management, Onboard Automation and Embedded Simulation. We are looking for strong generalist software engineers to work across a wide array of domains, including embedded, controls, sensor processing, manufacturing calibration, simulation, data analysis, and also building higher-level state machines, interfaces and flows for fault management and automation.
You will have a direct & material impact on the ability of Waymo to scale to more vehicles and cities.
This role follows a hybrid work schedule and you will report to a Software Engineer.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
You will:
- Develop high-quality vertically-integrated C++ software systems (on-vehicle and off-vehicle software) to manage autonomous vehicle functions.
- Analyze field data (logs) and simulation results.
- Participate in cross-functional workflows (e.g., requirement reviews, project planning).
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
You have:
- Degree (BS, MS) in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or similar or equivalent practical experience.
- At least 2+ years of professional experience developing production software in modern C++ (i.e., C++17, C++20, etc.)
- This role is specifically for C++ and not for C/C++.
- Experience in at least one of: real-time / embedded systems or complex / distributed systems.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
We prefer:
- Experience developing for and troubleshooting complex / distributed systems (e.g., vehicle gateway, backend software).
- In-depth understanding of microcontroller-based Embedded Systems and associated development and debugging tools.
- Working experience with safety critical systems / functional safety.
- Open source projects that demonstrate dedication to crafting high quality C++ software.
COMPENSATION
The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process.
- Salary Range: $170,000—$216,000 USD
Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo’s discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.
LOCATION
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES
JOB TYPE
FULL-TIME
DEPARTMENT
HARDWARE ENGINEERING
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Backend Software Engineer Jobs at Waymo Jobs
Align your systems experience to Waymo's stack
Waymo's backend roles emphasize distributed systems, low-latency infrastructure, and data pipeline engineering. Before applying, review the job descriptions closely and make sure your resume and portfolio reflect experience with high-availability services or real-time data processing at scale.
Target roles that fit specialty occupation criteria
H-1B eligibility requires your role to qualify as a specialty occupation. Backend Software Engineer positions at Waymo consistently meet this standard, but your degree field matters. A degree in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related discipline strengthens your petition significantly.
Search verified sponsoring roles on Migrate Mate
Finding confirmed visa-sponsoring openings in autonomous technology is harder than it looks. Use Migrate Mate to filter Backend Software Engineer roles at Waymo by visa type so you're only applying where sponsorship is already confirmed.
Prepare for Waymo's technical screening process early
Waymo's interview loop for backend roles typically includes system design rounds focused on distributed systems and coding assessments in C++ or Python. Prepare for these formats before you receive an offer, since visa timelines often compress the window between offer and start date.
Understand how your visa type shapes filing timing
H-1B petitions are subject to the annual cap and lottery, but E-3 and H-1B1 visas are cap-exempt and can be filed year-round. If you're an Australian or Chilean or Singaporean national, clarify your eligibility early with Waymo's recruiting team so they can route your petition correctly.
Track your LCA before your offer letter arrives
Waymo must file a certified Labor Condition Application with the DOL before your H-1B or E-3 petition can be submitted to USCIS. Confirm with your recruiter that the LCA process has started promptly after your verbal offer, since delays here push back your entire start date.
Backend Software Engineer at Waymo jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Backend Software Engineer at Waymo JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does Waymo sponsor H-1B visas for Backend Software Engineers?
Yes, Waymo sponsors H-1B visas for Backend Software Engineers. The company has an established process for supporting candidates through H-1B petitions, including cap-subject filings that go through the annual lottery. If you're already in H-1B status with another employer, Waymo can also file a transfer petition, which lets you start work as soon as USCIS receives it.
Which visa types does Waymo commonly sponsor for Backend Software Engineers?
Waymo sponsors H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 visas for Backend Software Engineers, along with employment-based Green Card pathways including EB-2 and EB-3. H-1B1 is available to Chilean and Singaporean nationals, and E-3 is exclusive to Australian citizens. Both H-1B1 and E-3 are cap-exempt, so they can be filed at any time of year without going through the H-1B lottery.
How do I apply for Backend Software Engineer jobs at Waymo?
Applications go through Waymo's careers portal, where Backend Software Engineer openings are listed by team and location. To find roles where visa sponsorship is confirmed upfront, browse Migrate Mate's filtered job listings for Waymo. This saves you time you'd otherwise spend vetting whether a specific opening includes sponsorship before applying.
What qualifications does Waymo expect for Backend Software Engineer roles?
Most Backend Software Engineer roles at Waymo require a bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related field, plus hands-on experience building distributed systems or large-scale data infrastructure. Proficiency in C++ or Python is commonly required. Roles focused on real-time systems or safety-critical infrastructure may also expect familiarity with autonomous vehicle or robotics environments.
How do I think about timing when pursuing visa sponsorship at Waymo?
Timing depends heavily on your visa type. H-1B cap-subject petitions can only be filed once a year, with a lottery in March and an October 1 start date. If you miss the lottery window, E-3 and H-1B1 visas are viable alternatives depending on your nationality and can be processed in a matter of weeks. Build at least eight to twelve weeks of buffer between your offer acceptance and expected start date to allow for DOL and USCIS processing.
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