Senior Software Engineer, Compute Software
About this role
Developing robust C++ software, building scaleable Hardware-in-the-Loop test harnesses, and optimizing performance for autonomous vehicle platforms form the core of this position. The Compute Software team at Waymo connects autonomous driving technology with next-generation custom silicon and compute platforms through critical infrastructure and runtime components. Team members navigate the compute system lifecycle by designing diagnostic tools, driving qualification workflows across hardware revisions, and troubleshooting complex software-to-hardware communication issues. This role exists to scale and support the autonomous driving stack as the company expands its vehicle platforms and compute capabilities.
Candidates who thrive in this environment bring a strong foundation in modern C++ and systems software design alongside a collaborative approach to cross-functional engineering. Engineers joining this team will frequently partner with hardware design, silicon validation, compiler, and vehicle platform groups to translate technical requirements into production-grade solutions. A natural curiosity for low-level hardware interfacing and embedded systems concepts serves as a strong asset for success on the team.
What you will do
- Design, build, and maintain high-performance C++ software, runtime components, and diagnostic tools supporting custom silicon and compute platforms.
- Build and scale robust Hardware-in-the-Loop test harnesses, automated regression frameworks, and CI/CD pipelines across the compute stack.
- Drive qualification workflows, automated regression suites, and release readiness verification across multiple hardware revisions and platform configurations.
- Troubleshoot and root-cause complex software-to-hardware communication issues, concurrency bugs, and performance bottlenecks across physical lab hardware and emulation environments.
- Partner closely with hardware design, silicon validation, compiler, and vehicle platform teams to translate technical specifications into production-grade software solutions.
- Develop modular developer tooling, telemetry monitors, and automated workflows to accelerate qualification velocity and software reliability.
What you need
- Hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field, or possess equivalent practical experience.
- Bring 5 or more years of professional industry experience building software systems.
- Demonstrate strong proficiency in modern C++ backed by solid software engineering fundamentals including data structures, algorithms, and modular architecture.
- Possess hands-on development experience within Linux or Unix environments utilizing build systems, scripting languages like Python or Bash, and modern CI/CD and version control workflows.
- Apply strong analytical and debugging skills to diagnose complex issues across software and system boundaries.
Nice to have
- Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop setups, automated lab testbeds, or embedded test environments
- Prior experience in post-silicon validation, System-Level Testing, ASIC bring-up, or diagnostic software development
- Exposure to hardware-software interfacing such as Memory-Mapped I/O, device drivers, firmware, POSIX APIs, or bare-metal and RTOS environments
- Knowledge of standard hardware communication protocols like PCIe, I2C, SPI, UART, JTAG, or compute IP blocks including DDR and DMA
- Familiarity with compiler toolchains and frameworks such as LLVM, MLIR, or GCC, or experience optimizing runtime performance for machine learning workloads
Benefits
- Discretionary annual bonus program
- Equity incentive plan
- Generous Company benefits program
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the work schedule for this position?
This role follows a hybrid schedule based out of Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
What is the salary range for the role?
The expected base salary range for this full-time position is ₹6,100,000 to ₹7,250,000 INR. Actual starting pay is based on job-related factors including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level.
Who does this position report to?
This role reports to a Staff ML Compiler Engineer within the Compute Software team.