Software Engineer – Mission Planning

Zoox

. Develop mission planner algorithms, including graph search and integration with behavioral planning .

Posted 9/24/2026full-timeFoster City • California • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $163,000 - $263,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing mission planner algorithms and integrating software components for autonomous vehicles, with a strong foundation in programming and decision-making frameworks. Capable of collaborating across teams to enhance software functionality and adapt to real-world scenarios.

Highest-signal resume keywords

C++ ProgrammingGraph Search TechniquesMarkov Decision ProcessesAutonomous Robotics ExperienceScalable Solutions Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

C++ ProgrammingGraph Search TechniquesMarkov Decision ProcessesSequential Decision-MakingAlgorithm DevelopmentSoftware IntegrationReal-Time Route AdaptationDynamic PlanningBehavioral PlanningCloud Services Integration

Soft Skills

CollaborationTechnical Direction SettingCross-Functional Coordination

Certifications & Qualifications

BS/MS in Computer SciencePhD in Computer Science (Bonus)

Industry Keywords

Mission PlanningBehavioral PlanningAutonomous VehiclesCommercial RoboticsDronesConsumer DevicesAutomotive

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop mission planner algorithms, including graph search and integration with behavioral planning
Integrate and test developed applications in the robot, learn from results, and make improvements
Collaborate with team members to support integration of software components across Zoox
Set the short- and long-term technical direction for the team and collaborate on broader company-wide directions
Coordinate cross-functional initiatives across Mission Planning, Behavioral Planning, and Cloud Services
Work with Cloud Services to facilitate pick-up and drop-off requests and incorporate live traffic data
Integrate with decision-making, trajectory planning, and controls teams to enable dynamic planning
Create high-level routes for autonomous vehicles and enable real-time route adaptation

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS/MS in Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field and 2+ years of industry experience
Programming skills in C++
Understanding and experience with graph search techniques (A*, D*, Dijkstra …)
Ability to model real-world problems using Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) or related frameworks
Ability to develop scalable solutions for sequential decision-making under uncertainty and constraints
Demonstrated ability to write code for a shipped product (commercial robotics, drones, consumer devices, automotive)
PhD in computer science or related field (bonus qualification)
Experience with autonomous robots (bonus qualification)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement)
Unpaid time off
Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights
Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Health insurance
Long-term care insurance
Long-term and short-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package