Senior Research Engineer Research & Development

If you are looking for a career at a dynamic company with a people-first mindset and a deep culture of growth and autonomy, ACV is the right place for you! Competitive compensation packages and learning and development opportunities, ACV has what you need to advance to the next level in your career. We will continue to raise the bar every day by investing in our people and technology to help our customers succeed. We hire people who share our passion, bring innovative ideas to the table, and enjoy a collaborative atmosphere. 
 
Who we are: 

ACV is a technology company that has revolutionized how dealers buy and sell cars online. We are transforming the automotive industry. ACV Auctions Inc. (ACV), has applied innovation and user-designed, data driven applications and solutions. We are building the most trusted and efficient digital marketplace with datasolutions for sourcing, selling and managing used vehicles with transparency and comprehensive insights that were once unimaginable. We are disruptors of the industry and we want you to join us on our journey. ACV’s network of brands includes ACV Auctions, ACV Transportation, ClearCar, MAX Digital and ACV Capital within its Marketplace Products, as well as, True360 and Data Services.

 At ACV we focus on the Health, Physical, Financial, Social and Emotional Wellness of our Teammates and to support this we offer: 

• Multiple medical plans including a high deductible, low cost health plan
• Company-sponsored (paid) Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Comprehensive optional benefits such as Dental, Vision, Supplemental Life/AD&D, Legal/ID Protection, and Accident and Critical Illness Insurance 
• Generous paid time off options, including vacation time, sick days, Company holidays, floating holidays, parental leave, bereavement leave, jury duty leave, voting leave, and other forms of paid leave as required by applicable law or regulation 
• Employee Stock Purchase Program with additional opportunities to earn stock in the Company 
• Retirement planning through the Company’s 401(k)

Who we are looking for:

ACV’s Research and Development team is seeking a Senior Research Engineer who will serve as a technical leader, bridging theoretical concepts with hands-on experimentation to advance our automotive inspection technologies. The ideal candidate is deeply curious about the automotive domain and skilled in designing and executing rigorous experiments using sensor data, signal processing, and hardware testing protocols. They will collaborate closely with Machine Learning Engineers, Product Managers, and Research Managers to ensure that research initiatives are both scientifically sound and aligned with business goals. We are looking for someone who can independently frame complex research questions, design well-structured experiments (including DOEs), interpret nuanced data, and transform those insights into actionable recommendations. The ability to pivot based on empirical findings, communicate results effectively to a range of stakeholders, and maintain a strategic view of the research landscape is essential. 

What you will do:

You will be reimagining the way we inspect vehicles by developing models to understand the holistic vehicle condition. 

• Conceptualize, design, and refine experimental protocols that leverage sensor data and hardware testing methods to evaluate and enhance automotive inspection processes.

• Develop and execute comprehensive DOEs to systematically investigate new concepts, test hypotheses, and validate emerging technologies.

• Collaborate with Machine Learning Engineers to ensure that insights from physical experiments seamlessly integrate into analytical and predictive models, enhancing the overall accuracy and reliability of our inspection systems.

• Partner with Product Managers and Research Managers to translate high-level research objectives into actionable technical plans, ensuring that deliverables support both near-term product requirements and long-term strategic initiatives.

• Analyze complex experimental data to identify underlying trends, anomalies, and potential improvements, then effectively communicate these findings to cross-functional teams.

• Author technical documentation, research reports, and presentations that clearly articulate experimental methods, findings, and recommendations to diverse audiences, both technical and non-technical.

• Stay current with emerging research methodologies, sensor technologies, and industry best practices, proactively proposing new directions and opportunities for continuous innovation.

• Adapt research plans as new information emerges, maintaining agility and a solutions-oriented mindset in the face of shifting priorities and unexpected results.

• Perform additional duties as assigned such as Patent liaison, University Engagement, etc.

What you will need:

• PhD Degree - Computationally intensive domain or equivalent work experience
• 10+ years experience
• Demonstrated experience working in research-oriented or applied R&D environments, ideally involving physical experimentation, sensor-based data collection, and hardware testing.
• Proven ability to design, implement, and interpret well-structured experiments, including proficiency in developing Design of Experiments (DOEs) and evaluating complex test results.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to reason through complex research questions and derive actionable insights from experimental outcomes.
• Experience creating clear and concise technical documentation, including detailed research reports, internal presentations, and supporting materials for patent filings.
• Familiarity with the fundamentals of machine learning and data-driven methods, enabling effective collaboration with ML engineers and integration of experimental findings into analytical models.
• Ability to adapt to evolving research priorities, pivoting strategies as new data emerges, and maintaining a keen focus on producing valuable, tangible results aligned with business objectives.
• Excellent communication skills, allowing for effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and the articulation of findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Has experience with leading a technical team

Compensation: $105,000.00 - $140,000.00 annually. Please note that final compensation will be determined based upon the applicant's relevant experience, skillset, location, business needs, market demands, and other factors as permitted by law.

No immigration or work visa sponsorship will be provided for this position.