Engineering Manager, Compute Optimization

Zoox

Zoox

Software Engineering, Other Engineering

Foster City, CA, USA

USD 245k-307k / year + Equity

Posted on Apr 17, 2026

Zoox is building the world's most advanced self-driving hardware and software solution. The efficiency demands of such a system require an expert fine tuning of both the compute hardware architecture as well as the algorithms and middleware that runs on it to achieve maximum throughput at the most optimal power levels.


The Software Performance team keeps the PCU alive, healthy, and performant to ensure that our on-bot autonomy software meets its latency targets while also accommodating its safety goals.


As a Compute Optimization team leader within the Software Core Performance team, you will lead a highly specialized team of software performance engineers in aggressively optimizing on-bot software runtime. This is a high impact role that sits at the intersection of ML Platform, Core, and Autonomy Software - ensuring that efficient compute utilization is a central tenet emphasized across the organization.

In this role, you will:

  • Manage a team of 4-6 engineers focused on optimizing the software performance of the on-bot autonomy software stack.
  • Lead cross-functional optimization efforts with the goal of hitting strict system response (latency) targets.
  • Achieve alignment between cross-functional leaders across the Software organization on compute resource allocations and budgets.
  • Hire, grow, and develop talent in the realm of performance optimization.
  • Build self-service frameworks that shifts performance optimization left to developers so that individual engineers can have quick iteration optimization loops.

Qualifications

  • BS in computer science, computer engineering, or related field
  • Proficiency with C++ & concurrent execution (parallel) programming frameworks
  • Deep knowledge and understanding of CPU and recent GPU microarchitectures (e.g. Ampere, Blackwell)
  • Proven track record of cross-functional collaboration and leadership alignment
  • Prior experience managing teams of three or more FTE software engineers

Bonus Qualifications

  • Experience in robotics, aviation, automotive, or high-performance computing space
  • Have shipped real-time or near-real-time software autonomy or robotics software in production
  • Experiencing debugging and optimizing CPU, GPU kernels, and ML models using tools like Nsight Systems and Compute, Perfetto or similar compute observability tools
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.

245000 - 307000 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.
See more open positions at Zoox