Staff Software Performance Tech Lead (C++)
Zoox
Foster City, CA, USA
USD 267k-295k / year + Equity
Posted on Apr 29, 2025
Zoox is building advanced self-driving hardware and software solutions. To attain the utmost efficiency that the system demands, we need you - an expert that understands both compute hardware architecture as well as the algorithms and middleware that run on it. Your contributions will be instrumental in achieving optimal power levels while maximizing throughput.
The Software Performance team’s mission is to analyze, optimize and provide guidance to the software and hardware teams in order to meet expected system performance targets.
Drive peak performance as a tech lead, spearheading the Tuning & Compute Budgets team. Orchestrate compute resource allocation, minimize system latency, and co-architect our next-generation compute system.
In this role, you will:
- Lead the Tuning & Compute Budgets sub-team (4 engineers).
- Build real-time instrumentation for performance monitoring (CPU, GPU, latency, memory) of the online system, and benchmarking frameworks to support offline performance evaluation.
- Establish budgets for existing architectures, and provide data to define next-gen architectures.
- Support AI software teams in squeezing out the maximum performance of their code, while minimizing resource contention.
- Work cross-functionally to ensure Zoox software runs optimally across the fleet.
- Co-architect the next-generation compute system for our software autonomy stack.
Qualifications
- BS in Computer Science or related field
- 6+ years of professional experience in software development or related field
- Strong knowledge of C++ and experience in large code bases, proficiency with Python
- Familiar with CPU system architecture and OS fundamentals
- Comfortable in Linux development environments
- Excellent communication and organization skills, with a logical approach to problem solving, good time management, and task prioritization skills
- Solid understanding of the Linux operating system
Bonus Qualifications
- 2+ years of technical leadership experience
- Experience using various Linux performance monitor tools, such as perf, eBPF, Perfetto
- Experience with software & hardware benchmarking and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) systems
- Proficiency with Git, Bazel, and CI pipelines
- Hands-on experience in development, debugging and profiling of complex multi-process real time systems (like game engines or robot systems)
- Acquainted with a firm/hard real-time operating system environment
- Proficiency with SQL and data platforms such as DataBricks, Looker, and ETL pipelines
- Experience debugging and optimizing GPU kernels using tools like Nsight Systems and Compute
Compensation
There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. The salary range for this position is $267,000 to $295,000. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.
Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.
About Zoox
Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We’re looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast-moving and highly execution-oriented team.
Accommodations
If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to accommodations@zoox.com or your assigned recruiter.
A Final Note:
You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Zoox, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.