Develop realistic traffic and behavior simulation for autonomous driving. Collaborate with teams to enhance driving software and model human behaviors.
Simulation is essential to Zoox’s mission. Zoox uses simulation to develop our driving software, validate safety, and analyze our real-world performance. Our team’s work directly impacts how rapidly and successfully Zoox will achieve its goals.
For our simulators to successfully validate our autonomous driving stack, we need to realistically model and replicate the worlds we will be driving in. This includes modeling and simulating human behaviors, specifically traffic and other pedestrian behaviors. The challenge is that the simulated humans need to show realistic and representative behavior — we want our agents to jaywalk as a human might do, and also replicate a wide range of behaviors that we encounter while driving in real cities.
In this role, you will:
- Populate the simulated roads with intelligent participants.
- Create simulated cars, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, etc. to behave realistically by default, and tunable to create a full gamut of traffic/agent behaviors.
- Push the state of the art in traffic and behavior modeling to capture real-world behaviors as closely as possible.
- Work closely with various teams — including AI software teams, QA, and Validation Engineers — to push autonomous driving forward.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
- PhD or 4+ years of experience in a related field
- Fluency in C++
- Mathematics skills, including trigonometry, linear algebra, and calculus
- Experience with motion planning, control systems, constrained optimization, and state estimation
Bonus Qualifications
- Experience in game development, traffic simulation, motion planning, or pathfinding
- Experience in automotive, robotics, data science, or machine learning
- Familiarity with Python
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.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Accommodations
If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to [email protected] 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.
Top Skills
C++
Python
Zoox Seattle, Washington, USA Office
1111 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA, United States, 98101
Similar Jobs
Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Transportation • Design • Manufacturing
In this role, you'll enhance Zoox's simulation for autonomous driving by modeling human behaviors in traffic, collaborating with various teams.
Top Skills:
C++Python
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • HR Tech • Information Technology • Productivity • Software • Automation
The Partner/Customer Advocate enhances partner and customer relationships, drives resolution of escalations, synthesizes insights, and improves operational excellence within the Global Partnerships & Channels team.
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • HR Tech • Information Technology • Productivity • Software • Automation
Oversee executive relationships for strategic tech clients, lead virtual teams, manage account growth, and achieve financial targets while integrating AI solutions.
Top Skills:
AIIt Service ManagementSoftware Sales
What you need to know about the Seattle Tech Scene
Home to tech titans like Microsoft and Amazon, Seattle punches far above its weight in innovation. But its surrounding mountains, sprinkled with world-famous hiking trails and climbing routes, make the city a destination for outdoorsy types as well. Established as a logging town before shifting to shipbuilding and logistics, the Emerald City is now known for its contributions to aerospace, software, biotech and cloud computing. And its status as a thriving tech ecosystem is attracting out-of-town companies looking to establish new tech and engineering hubs.
Key Facts About Seattle Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 287,000; 13% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software, biotechnology, game development
- Funding Landscape: $3.1 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Madrona, Fuse, Tola, Maveron
- Research Centers and Universities: University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, Allen Institute for Brain Science, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
