Senior Staff Software Systems Engineer - Advanced Autonomy Systems Engineering Lead

Latitude AI (lat.ai) develops automated driving technologies, including L3, for Ford vehicles at scale. We’re driven by the opportunity to reimagine what it’s like to drive and make travel safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable for everyone.

When you join the Latitude team, you’ll work alongside leading experts across machine learning and robotics, cloud platforms, mapping, sensors and compute systems, test operations, systems and safety engineering – all dedicated to making a real, positive impact on the driving experience for millions of people.

As a Ford Motor Company subsidiary, we operate independently to develop automated driving technology at the speed of a technology startup. Latitude is headquartered in Pittsburgh with engineering centers in Dearborn, Mich., and Palo Alto, Calif.

Meet the team:

Latitude’s Autonomy Systems Engineering Team spearheads the end-to-end development of autonomous vehicle systems. The team defines the ODD, establishes vehicle and sub-system requirements, and leads sensor selection analysis. By partnering with software development and Functional Safety teams, they architect robust systems that prioritize safety and performance. Additionally, they decompose complex autonomy functions for verification and implement large-scale metrics to ensure rigorous requirement compliance.

What you’ll do:

For the next generation of L3/L2+ autonomy systems at Latitude AI, you will lead the following work as an individual contributor working across the organization:

The definition of the ODD: Negotiate product-level wants and define vehicle-level behavioral requirements, working closely with Latitude’s Product team and executive management

The development of the HW/SW architecture: Collaborate with Latitude’s hardware and software leads

High-level systems engineering: Define requirements, metrics, and verification methods in partnership with systems engineering teams and software leads

Functional safety: Establish the high-level functional safety approach and HW/SW safety architecture, working closely with the Functional Safety team

Fail-safe and fail-functional architectures: Design the frameworks necessary for functional safety and SOTIF

Additional Responsibilities:

Collaborate across functions: Work with all autonomy functions (Systems Engineering) and SW owners on topics ranging from mapping to perception to vehicle controls

System evaluation: Evaluate the in-car system from the customer’s perspective and provide critical, regular feedback to the development teams

What you'll need to succeed:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics or a related field and 10+ years of relevant experience, Master's degree and 8+ years of relevant experience, or PhD and 5+ years of relevant experience

At least 6+ years of experience working in either automotive or robotics engineering, or a related field

Experience working on autonomy functions such as mapping, sensing, localization, detection, routing, motion planning, motion control, etc.

Experience writing requirements and developing metrics

Experience with the analysis and testing of complex systems through data-driven approaches

Experience with / knowledge of autonomy and safety related SW algorithms

Experience with Python, C++, or other programming skills, as well as git experience

Experience developing safety architectures to meet ISO 26262 or similar standards

Nice to have:

Doctorate Degree with a focus in robotics

Experience with autonomous vehicle development

Experience with autonomous vehicle testing

Experience developing robotics SW

Experience developing FuSa SW

What we offer you:

Competitive compensation packages

High-quality individual and family medical, dental, and vision insurance

Health savings account with available employer match

Employer-matched 401(k) retirement plan with immediate vesting

Employer-paid group term life insurance and the option to elect voluntary life insurance

Paid parental leave

Paid medical leave

Unlimited vacation

15 paid holidays

Daily lunches, snacks, and beverages available in all office locations

Pre-tax spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Pre-tax commuter benefits

Monthly wellness stipend

Adoption/Surrogacy support program

Backup child and elder care program

Professional development reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Discounted programs that include legal services, identity theft protection, pet insurance, and more

Company and team bonding outlets: employee resource groups, quarterly team activity stipend, and wellness initiatives

Learn more about Latitude’s team, mission and career opportunities at lat.ai!

The expected base salary range for this full-time position in California is $253,120 - $379,680 USD. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Latitude employees are also eligible to participate in Latitude’s annual bonus programs, equity compensation, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.

Candidates for positions with Latitude AI must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

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