Staff Platform Engineer
Zoox
Software Engineering
Foster City, CA, USA
USD 206k-284k / year + Equity
Posted on Mar 13, 2026
Zoox is seeking a Staff Platform Engineer with deep expertise in VMware technologies, VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF), Active Directory, and Horizon/VDI architectures to design, build, and evolve our VMware-based Software Defined Data Center (SDDC) and enterprise virtual desktop platforms. This role serves as the technical authority for virtualization and VDI infrastructure, driving a platform engineering approach that leverages Infrastructure as Code, automation, and modern operational practices to deliver scalable, secure, and high-performance environments. You will lead the architecture and lifecycle of Zoox’s VMware ecosystem, enabling hybrid infrastructure integrations and GPU-accelerated environments that support AI/ML development and critical business workloads across regions.
In This Role, You Will...
- Own the architecture, capacity planning, implementation, performance optimization and lifecycle of Horizon-based VDI infrastructure including GPU infrastructure, supporting thousands of users across multiple regions.
- Collaborate with engineering teams across the company on infrastructure design, integrations, and workload migrations across on-prem and hybrid environments.
- Act as the Subject Matter Expert for VMware technologies, including vSphere, vSAN, VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF), and Horizon.
- Apply baseline AWS knowledge (e.g., EC2, VPC, WorkSpaces) to support hybrid infrastructure integrations where applicable.
- Establish best practices for efficient consumption of GPU hardware on VDI, along image management, profile handling, user experience optimization, self service and security.
- Implement observability, monitoring, and proactive capacity planning to improve platform reliability and operational efficiency.
- Lead complex troubleshooting and root cause analysis across compute, storage, virtualization, and VDI layers.
- Maintain system documentation, architecture diagrams, and operational runbooks, and participate in on-call support for critical infrastructure
Qualifications
- 10+ years of hands-on experience with VMware vSphere, Horizon, vSAN, and VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF)
- Proven experience designing and operating enterprise VDI and Virtualization platforms at scale
- Strong understanding of lifecycle management, cluster design, resource allocation, and high-availability strategies within VDI and VMware environments
- Experience with scripting, automation using Powershell, Bash, Python; and orchestration tools such as Teraform, Ansible and Aria Automation.
- Expertise in desktop image optimization, application delivery, user profile management, and performance tuning
- Demonstrated proficiency managing and troubleshooting Active Directory architectures and Windows servers fleets
Bonus Qualifications
- Technical leadership experience with infrastructure teams
- Experience leading cross-functional infrastructure initiatives
- Ability to communicate architectural strategy clearly to technical teams and executive stakeholders
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.
206000 - 284000 USD a year
Base Salary Range
There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. 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.