Staff Software Developer Jobs at Zoox with Visa Sponsorship
Staff Software Developer jobs at Zoox sit at the intersection of autonomous vehicle software and production-grade systems engineering. Zoox actively sponsors work visas across multiple categories for this function, making it a realistic target if you're building a career in AV technology on a work visa.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Behavior Capabilities opportunity falls within the Fail Operational Planning team at Zoox. This team works to ensure that the robot continues to operate effectively, even in the presence of minor compartmentalized failures or degraded capabilities. The focus of the team includes developing behavioral and motion planning algorithms to improve trip progress, vehicle uptime metrics, and correspondingly a better customer experience. This is a cutting-edge problem which requires teamwork and collaboration across a diverse group of experts including Planner, Perception, Prediction, Hardware, and more.
On this team, you will contribute to the next generation of algorithmic advancements to expand our robot’s ability to drive in some of the most complex scenarios. We are looking for an engineer who is excited to understand the interdependencies within the driving stack and takes ownership of their projects and has a holistic product focused approach towards development.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this role, you will:
- Create principled algorithmic improvements to specific areas of driving behavior and implement those changes in our code base.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to develop strategies and intelligent behaviors to mitigate the performance degradation under various failure modes of the system.
- Architect and implement scalable solutions ensuring seamless integration with the rest of the driving stack.
- Partner with validation teams to define and execute tests for developed algorithms.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Computer Science or related field and 7+ years of experience
- Fluency in C++
- Extensive experience with programming and algorithm design
- Understanding of vehicle kinematics
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- Experience shipping products to market (commercial robotics, drones, consumer devices etc.)
- Demonstrated ability to create real-time motion planning algorithms in a cross-functional team
COMPENSATION
- Base Salary Range: There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.
Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.
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 accommodations@zoox.com 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.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
INTRODUCTION
The Behavior Capabilities opportunity falls within the Fail Operational Planning team at Zoox. This team works to ensure that the robot continues to operate effectively, even in the presence of minor compartmentalized failures or degraded capabilities. The focus of the team includes developing behavioral and motion planning algorithms to improve trip progress, vehicle uptime metrics, and correspondingly a better customer experience. This is a cutting-edge problem which requires teamwork and collaboration across a diverse group of experts including Planner, Perception, Prediction, Hardware, and more.
On this team, you will contribute to the next generation of algorithmic advancements to expand our robot’s ability to drive in some of the most complex scenarios. We are looking for an engineer who is excited to understand the interdependencies within the driving stack and takes ownership of their projects and has a holistic product focused approach towards development.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this role, you will:
- Create principled algorithmic improvements to specific areas of driving behavior and implement those changes in our code base.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to develop strategies and intelligent behaviors to mitigate the performance degradation under various failure modes of the system.
- Architect and implement scalable solutions ensuring seamless integration with the rest of the driving stack.
- Partner with validation teams to define and execute tests for developed algorithms.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Computer Science or related field and 7+ years of experience
- Fluency in C++
- Extensive experience with programming and algorithm design
- Understanding of vehicle kinematics
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- Experience shipping products to market (commercial robotics, drones, consumer devices etc.)
- Demonstrated ability to create real-time motion planning algorithms in a cross-functional team
COMPENSATION
- Base Salary Range: There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.
Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.
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 accommodations@zoox.com 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.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
See all Staff Software Developer Jobs at Zoox
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Staff Software Developer Jobs at Zoox
Align your portfolio to AV system domains
Zoox hires Staff Software Developers across autonomy stacks, simulation, motion planning, and embedded systems. Before applying, make sure your resume and portfolio clearly map to one of these domains rather than presenting general software engineering experience.
Verify your visa type against Zoox's sponsored categories
Zoox sponsors H-1B, E-3, TN, H-1B1 visa, and F-1 OPT among others. If you're on OPT, confirm your STEM extension eligibility before your initial OPT expires, since Zoox typically files H-1B petitions on the April cap deadline.
Request H-1B sponsorship before offer finalization
Raise visa sponsorship explicitly during the offer stage, not after signing. For a Staff-level role, Zoox's recruiting team is accustomed to the conversation, but delaying the ask can compress the time available to prepare the LCA filing with DOL.
Prepare a strong specialty occupation case for your role
USCIS scrutinizes Staff-level software roles in autonomous vehicles for specialty occupation eligibility. Document that your position requires a specific degree in computer science, software engineering, or a directly related field, not just any technical background.
Target Zoox's Staff roles through Migrate Mate's job board
Filter for Staff Software Developer openings at Zoox on Migrate Mate to surface roles confirmed as visa-sponsoring positions. This narrows your search to postings where sponsorship is a documented expectation, saving time on outreach to teams that may not have budget for petitions.
Account for PERM labor certification in your long-term timeline
If Zoox sponsors you for an EB-2 or EB-3 Green Card, the PERM process through DOL adds significant time before an I-140 can be filed. Start that conversation with your hiring manager early so internal approvals don't delay your priority date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Zoox sponsor H-1B visas for Staff Software Developers?
Yes, Zoox sponsors H-1B visas for Staff Software Developer roles. As an autonomous vehicle company with deep engineering headcount, Zoox participates in the annual H-1B cap lottery each April and has a consistent track record of sponsoring software engineering positions. If you're currently on F-1 OPT, Zoox can typically bridge you through the cap filing cycle.
How do I apply for Staff Software Developer jobs at Zoox?
Applications go through Zoox's careers portal at zoox.com. Staff-level roles typically require a resume that speaks directly to autonomous vehicle systems, robotics software, or adjacent domains. You can also browse open Staff Software Developer positions at Zoox on Migrate Mate, which surfaces roles with confirmed visa sponsorship so you can prioritize your applications more efficiently.
Which visa types does Zoox commonly sponsor for Staff Software Developer roles?
Zoox sponsors a broad range of work visa categories for this role, including H-1B, H-1B1 visa for Chilean and Singaporean nationals, E-3 visa for Australian citizens, TN visa for Canadian and Mexican professionals, F-1 OPT and CPT, J-1 visa, and employment-based Green Card pathways including EB-2 and EB-3. The right category depends on your nationality, degree, and current immigration status.
What qualifications does Zoox expect for Staff Software Developer candidates?
Staff Software Developer roles at Zoox are senior-level positions. Zoox expects deep expertise in at least one area of the autonomy stack, such as motion planning, perception, simulation, or embedded systems, along with a degree in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related field. This degree requirement also matters for visa purposes, since USCIS uses it to establish specialty occupation status for H-1B petitions.
How do I handle the timing between an F-1 OPT expiration and an H-1B approval at Zoox?
If Zoox files your H-1B petition by April 1 and USCIS selects it in the lottery, your status is protected under cap-gap rules through September 30, even if your OPT EAD expires before then. Confirm with Zoox's immigration team that the petition is filed before your OPT end date. USCIS provides cap-gap guidance on its website, and your university's international office can verify your updated I-20.