Technical Lead - Compute Platform and Optimization

Location: Seattle, WA

Department: Software Engineering

Role Summary:
We are looking for an experienced software engineer to own performance and the compute platform that underpins our autonomous off-road driving stack. This role spans middleware performance, system-level tuning, and compute optimization. You will work across the full stack to ensure our software runs efficiently on high-performance compute platforms in the field and that our developers can iterate quickly.

In this role, you will: 

• Profile and optimize middleware and inter-process communication (ROS2, DDS, shared-memory transports) to minimize latency and maximize throughput across the autonomy stack
• Identify and resolve system-level performance bottlenecks across CPU, GPU, memory, and I/O
• Work directly with algorithm developers to profile their code, identify optimization opportunities, and co-design implementations that meet real-time budgets
• Build automated performance regression testing into CI so degradations are caught before merge
• Write high-performance clean C++ code and promote good coding practices throughout the software organization
• Think holistically about the system: understand how changes in one area affect the whole, contribute improvements beyond your core domain, and help raise the bar for the entire engineering organization

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field with 7+ years of relevant experience, or MS/PhD with 5+ years
• Strong background in systems engineering, performance optimization, or compute platform development
• Strong C++ and Python development skills
• Familiarity with Linux systems programming, including profiling tools (perf, nsight, vtune), kernel tuning, and resource management

Desired Experience & Qualifications:

• Experience with GPU programming and optimization (CUDA, TensorRT, model quantization/pruning, ahead-of-time compilation)
• Experience with ROS2 middleware, DDS implementations (CycloneDDS, FastDDS), or shared-memory transports (iceoryx)
• Familiarity with high performance GPU compute platforms for robotics and AI applications
• Experience optimizing real-time systems with hard latency constraints
• Experience with large-scale build systems and CI/CD infrastructure
• Contributions to open-source middleware or performance tooling

Benefits

Overland AI believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. 

• The salary range for this position is $200K to $260K annually
• Equity compensation
• Best-in-class healthcare, dental and vision plans. 
• Unlimited PTO
• 401k with company match
• Parental leave

Overland AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

This position may involve access to export-controlled technology. Employment is contingent on the ability to comply with U.S. export control laws.

Overland AI provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans during the application process. Please contact [peopleops@overland.ai] to request an accommodation.

About the Company

About Overland AI 

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Overland AI is transforming land operations for modern defense. The company leverages over a decade of advanced research in robotics and machine learning, as well as a field-test forward ethos, to deliver combined capabilities for unit commanders. Our OverDrive autonomy stack enables ground vehicles to navigate and operate off-road in any terrain without GPS or direct operator control. Our intuitive OverWatch C2 interface provides commanders with precise coordination capabilities essential for mission success.

Overland AI has secured funding from prominent defense tech investors including 8VC and Point 72, and built trusted partnerships with DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure contracts across the Department of Defense, we are strengthening national security by iterating closely with end users engaged in tactical operations.