Software Engineer, System-on-Chip (SoC) Testing
Summary
Develops and maintains automated software frameworks for validating custom silicon in autonomous vehicle compute platforms, using C++, Python, and Bash.
Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver—The World's Most Experienced Driver™—to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo’s fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.
Waymo's Compute Team is tasked with a critical and exciting mission: We deliver the compute platform responsible for running the autonomous vehicle's software stack. To achieve our mission, we architect and create high-performance custom silicon; we develop system-level compute architectures that push the boundaries of performance, power, and latency; and we collaborate with many other teammates to ensure we design and improve hardware and software for maximum performance. We are a diverse team looking for curious and talented teammates to work on one of the world's highest performance automotive compute platforms.
This role follows a hybrid work schedule and you will report to a Software Engineering Manager.
This position will require the ability to work some hours that align with the team in the Pacific Time zone on an as needed basis.
You will:
- Design and develop scalable software frameworks for automated post-silicon testing of custom system-on-chips (SoC) and ML/AI accelerators
- Translate hardware databook instructions (register maps, timing diagrams) into robust C++ code for hardware/software interaction
- Build and maintain sophisticated automation scripts using Python and Bash to manage complex test sequences
- Debug software-to-hardware communication issues, working closely with hardware designers to ensure register-level accuracy
- Improve the efficiency of existing validation software to reduce test cycle times
You have:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering
- Strong Proficiency in C++: Experience with pointers, memory management, and low-level system programming is mandatory
- Advanced Scripting: Expert-level Python skills, specifically for automation and data analysis
- Software Engineering Fundamentals: Solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design
- Experience with Bash/Unix environments for toolchain management
- Willingness to Learn Hardware: While a background in silicon is helpful, the primary requirement is the ability to apply rigorous software engineering principles to hardware validation
We prefer:
- Knowledge of hardware IP blocks (e.g., PCIe, DDR, USB)
- Experience with JTAG, I2C, or SPI protocols.
- Previous experience in post-silicon validation or embedded systems
The expected base salary range for this full-time position is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo’s discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.