Staff Software Engineer, Functional Safety

Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all. We’re searching for a Software Engineer, Functional Safety.

In this role, you will

Contribute to defining the software development process, advising the executive leadership on ISO 26262 and ASPICE compliance, and providing expert guidance on the implementation and verification of functional safety in autonomous vehicle software. Perform safety analysis at all levels of system product to identify design and architectural vulnerabilities. Derive from the analysis of technical and software safety requirements for various software subsystems to ensure the safety of the self-driving vehicle in the presence of faults. This position requires excellent written and oral communication proficiency in conjunction with organization skills necessary to maintain focus and achieve consensus within diverse multi-disciplined teams. The successful candidate will be a self-starter and able to work independently, learn, tailor and execute processes, and perform in a collaborative environment.

This role will play a critical part in ensuring the development of safe and reliable software for our self-driving systems, and is within our Software Systems and Safety Engineering group. This group is responsible for the engineering work to satisfy the safety case for Aurora Self Driving Technology. Our team is responsible for understanding the functionality of the full stack and helping to define the functional safety concept for all aspects of fault management. 

More specifically, your responsibilities in the role are highlighted as: 

• Drive and lead the establishment, implementation, and continuous improvement of the software development process and practices that align with industry best practices and standards such as ISO 26262 and ASPICE. 
• Provide expert guidance and advisory to the executive leadership team regarding standard compliance with regards to software development. 
• Collaborate cross-functionally (e.g., hardware, systems engineering, and validation) to develop and write clear, verifiable technical and software safety requirements, while ensuring these requirements are in alignment with safety goals and product goals through requirement traceability.
• Lead efforts to define and implement effective methods for software safety implementation, including fault detection, error handling, and safety-critical feature development. Provide guidance on verification strategies to ensure compliance with safety requirements.
• Define and iterate the analysis process such as Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) for identifying potential hazards and mitigating risks associated with software failures. 
• Drive continuous improvement in functional safety and software quality processes and tools, including conducting internal assessments and gap analysis as well as participating in 3rd party assessment. 
• Mentor and guide junior engineers on best practices for functional safety in software development. Promote a culture of safety awareness across the engineering team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree, Master of Science or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Machine Learning or equivalent field 
• Minimum 10+ years of experience working on production intended software development 
• Proficiency in C or C++ 
• Experience defining software architecture 
• Experience working with functional safety or software quality
• Proven track record of successfully working with large, complex teams in a results-driven environment
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and evolving priorities

Desirable Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience working as Systems Engineer or Safety Engineer
• Experience with complex robotics or autonomous systems
• Proficiency in Python and physical modeling and simulation tool (e.g., MATLAB)
• Experience with Machine Learning
• Experience leading a technical area
• Working knowledge of ISO 26262 or ASPICE

The base salary range for this position is $146,000-$234,000 per year.  Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

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