Staff, Software Engineer - Simulation Vehicle Modeling
The Staff Software Engineer for Simulation Vehicle Modeling at Confidential Client leads the development and evolution of scalable, high-fidelity vehicle dynamics models and simulation platforms to support autonomous truck software validation and certification. This role involves designing robust testing frameworks, defining validation metrics for safety claims, collaborating with autonomy teams, and driving technical direction across simulation and autonomy domains to ensure model fidelity and system performance at scale.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Software Development.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
As a senior technical leader on the simulation and vehicle-modeling team for our confidential client, you will own architecture, development, and validation of high-fidelity vehicle models and the platforms that run them. You will work cross-functionally with autonomy, controls, and safety teams to deliver production-grade simulation, V&V (verification & validation), and large-scale training infrastructure.
- Own and evolve technical architecture for scalable vehicle modeling and simulation across vehicle types and sensor platforms.
- Develop and maintain high-fidelity truck and vehicle dynamics models (longitudinal, lateral, transient, powertrain, tire models), covering nominal, off-nominal, and failure modes.
- Define statistical validation metrics that support formal Safety Case claims and driver-out certification.
- Design and scale robustness testing frameworks, including controller/planner interaction tests, for large-scale V&V and RL training.
- Build and operate closed-loop simulation platforms for deterministic, high-throughput validation pipelines.
- Partner with autonomy engineering to gather model requirements and ensure models meet planning, control, and system-level needs.
- Own model capability documentation, limitations, release notes, and regression strategies to prevent V&V performance regressions.
- Execute full software development lifecycle primarily in C++ within Linux and ROS/ROS2 toolchains.
- Perform root-cause analysis on simulation and hardware-in-the-loop failures and drive corrective actions.
- Set direction for system-level test plans, data acquisition, and telemetry supporting field data collection and model refinement.
- Mentor engineers, promote engineering best practices, and drive cross-org technical consensus.
- Collaborate with OEM partners and simulation tool vendors to integrate and co-develop capabilities.
What You’ll Need To Succeed
Minimum qualifications (based on education and experience equivalencies):
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field plus 10+ years' relevant experience; OR
- Master's degree plus 7+ years; OR PhD plus 3+ years.
- Deep proficiency in C++ (primary), with Python for tooling, ROS/ROS2, CMake, and professional experience on Linux.
- Strong background in physics-based ground-vehicle modeling: longitudinal/lateral dynamics, tire models, and powertrain systems.
- Practical knowledge of autonomy stack architecture (planning, controls, system integration) to align models with consumer requirements.
- Experience defining statistical validation metrics and robustness testing frameworks for safety arguments.
- Experience with unit, integration, and regression testing, automated validation pipelines, and large-scale simulation benchmarking.
- Proven track record of owning complex technical systems and making cross-organizational architectural decisions.
- Ability to operate independently at an advanced professional level and to mentor other engineers.
Nice to Have / Bonus
- Prior technical lead experience on a vehicle simulation sub-team or similar.
- Experience with high-fidelity truck & trailer or heavy-vehicle modeling.
- Experience building or extending closed-loop autonomous vehicle simulation at scale.
- Familiarity with scenario-based validation, sim-to-real correlation, and how learned models consume simulation outputs.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive compensation package including bonus and equity components.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage (employer-paid premiums for full-time employees).
- 401(k) plan with employer match.
- Flexible scheduling, generous paid time off, and company-wide holiday closures.
- AD&D and life insurance.
- Relocation or sign-on offers may be available depending on the role.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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