Staff Software Engineer Jobs at Zoox with Visa Sponsorship
Staff Software Engineer jobs at Zoox sit at the intersection of autonomous vehicle systems and production-grade software infrastructure. Zoox has a strong track record of sponsoring work visas across multiple categories for engineers in this function, making it a realistic target for international candidates.
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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.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Staff Software Engineer Jobs at Zoox
Align your portfolio to AV systems work
Zoox Staff Software Engineer roles emphasize perception, planning, or vehicle runtime systems. Tailor your resume and GitHub portfolio to show ownership of safety-critical or real-time distributed systems before you apply.
Confirm your visa category fits Zoox
Zoox sponsors H-1B, E-3, TN, and F-1 OPT among others. Match your nationality and status to the right category early. Australians should flag E-3 eligibility directly in outreach, since it avoids the H-1B lottery entirely.
Time your application around OPT cap-gap risk
If you're on F-1 OPT, confirm your OPT end date against the H-1B October 1 start date. A cap-gap authorization bridges the gap, but you need an approved H-1B petition by April to stay covered without interruption.
Target teams building production vehicle software
Zoox is building a fully autonomous robotaxi, so Staff Engineer roles on motion planning, sensor fusion, or fleet management carry stronger sponsorship priority than supporting tooling teams. Research open requisitions on those specific stacks before applying.
Use Migrate Mate to filter Zoox roles by visa type
Search Zoox's open Staff Software Engineer positions filtered by your visa category on Migrate Mate. This surfaces only roles where sponsorship aligns with your status, saving time before you invest in a full application.
Request a clear filing timeline before signing your offer
Once Zoox extends an offer, ask the recruiter exactly when the Labor Condition Application will be filed with DOL and whether premium processing is available. Both decisions affect how quickly you can start and whether your current status stays valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Zoox sponsor H-1B visas for Staff Software Engineers?
Yes, Zoox sponsors H-1B visas for Staff Software Engineer roles. As an autonomous vehicle company with a large engineering org, Zoox regularly files H-1B petitions for technical staff. Your employer handles the filing with USCIS, but you should confirm sponsorship intent with the recruiter before investing heavily in the interview process.
Which visa types does Zoox commonly sponsor for Staff Software Engineer roles?
Zoox sponsors a broad range of 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 nationals, F-1 OPT and CPT for recent graduates, J-1 visa for exchange visitors, and Green Card pathways under EB-2 and EB-3. The right category depends on your nationality and current immigration status.
What qualifications and experience does Zoox expect for Staff Software Engineer roles?
Staff Software Engineer at Zoox is a senior-level role. Expect requirements around leading complex technical projects, deep expertise in areas like C++, Python, distributed systems, or robotics software, and experience working in safety-critical or real-time environments. Autonomous vehicle domain knowledge is a strong differentiator, particularly in perception, planning, or vehicle control stacks.
How do I apply for Staff Software Engineer jobs at Zoox?
You can browse open Staff Software Engineer positions at Zoox and filter by visa sponsorship category on Migrate Mate, which shows roles matched to your specific visa eligibility. Once you identify a fit, apply directly through Zoox's careers portal. Tailor your application to the specific team and technical domain listed in the job description rather than submitting a generic resume.
How do I plan my timeline when Zoox is sponsoring my work visa?
Timeline depends heavily on visa type. H-1B petitions have an April registration window and an October 1 start date, so you need your offer in place well before April. E-3 and TN processing is faster and can often close within a few weeks of an accepted offer. F-1 OPT candidates should map their authorization end date against the expected start date before signing anything.