Senior Software Engineer - Runtime Services

Latitude AI (lat.ai) is building the future of Ford’s autonomy roadmap to make travel safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable for everyone. Bringing this vision to scale, our fully in-house developed hands-free ADAS platform will debut on the all-new Ford Fathom in 2027.

When you join the Latitude team, you’ll work alongside leading experts across machine learning and robotics, cloud platforms, mapping, sensors and compute systems, test operations, systems and safety engineering – all dedicated to redefining the relationship between people and their vehicles for millions of customers.

As a Ford Motor Company subsidiary, we operate independently to develop automated driving technology at the speed of a technology startup. Latitude is headquartered in Pittsburgh with engineering centers in Dearborn, Mich., and Palo Alto, Calif.

Meet the team:

We're searching for a Senior Software Engineer to come and join the Runtime Services team at Latitude AI. As a member of the Runtime Services team you will be responsible for designing, delivering, and maintaining the core software primitives upon which our advanced driver assist system (ADAS) is built. You will collaborate with other runtime teams, systems engineering, autonomy (localization, perception, planning, controls), the onboard platform team, and project management to ensure autonomy applications integrate seamlessly with each other and the underlying platform.

The Runtime Services team creates the core libraries and frameworks that are the building blocks used by our vehicle runtime. We write foundational C++ standard libraries and custom vocabulary data structures. We own the system configuration, data serialization, and code generation frameworks which are used by all developers across the company and deployed across all our realtime Linux and embedded environments. As well as the driver monitoring system used to enforce the safe usage of our autonomy features.

What you’ll do:

• Design, develop, and test the reliable and high-performance software that all autonomy functions are built upon
• Develop tools for providing insight into the performance and behavior of the system
• Collaborate with autonomy teams to ensure their systems integrate well with the runtime infrastructure frameworks, enabling their success
• Create automated unit and integration tests that verify the software works as expected and meets the requirements
• Work closely with the simulation team to ensure that the runtime system is accurately tested off-vehicle in a virtual environment
• Contribute to software architecture development within your area of ownership
• Work with Product Security and Functional Safety teams to ensure the system is hardened and adheres to automotive safety standards

What you'll need to succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics or a related field and 4+ years of relevant experience (or Master's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience, or PhD)
• Proven, hands-on experience developing high performance C++ applications or robotics software in resource constrained environments
• At least 5+ years of development experience using modern C++ in a systems programming role
• Ability to design software components and systems, and clearly communicate your designs through documents, diagrams, and presentations
• Experience developing in a Linux or Unix environment
• Strong team player able to operate effectively on cross-functional teams to deliver an integrated software product

Nice to have:

• Experience with Bazel
• Experience with ROS or another robotics platform
• Experience managing large scale configuration and composition (e.g. JSON, YAML)
• Experience with writing custom plugins for Protobuf’s compiler, protoc
• Experience with driver monitoring systems
• Experience with software systems using a publish/subscribe model of communication (e.g. Iceoryx, ZeroMQ)
• Experience with distributed and concurrent programming paradigms
• Experience with POSIX APIs
• Experience with embedded and real-time operating systems (e.g. FreeRTOS, SafeRTOS)
• Familiarity with ISO-26262 and/or other software safety standards

What we offer you:

• Competitive compensation packages
• High-quality individual and family medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health savings account with available employer match
• Employer-matched 401(k) retirement plan with immediate vesting
• Employer-paid group term life insurance and the option to elect voluntary life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid medical leave
• Unlimited vacation
• 15 paid holidays
• Daily lunches, snacks, and beverages available in all office locations
• Pre-tax spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Adoption/Surrogacy support program
• Backup child and elder care program
• Professional development reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• Discounted programs that include legal services, identity theft protection, pet insurance, and more
• Company and team bonding outlets: employee resource groups, quarterly team activity stipend, and wellness initiatives

Learn more about Latitude’s team, mission and career opportunities at lat.ai!

The expected base salary range for this full-time position in California is $179,200 - $268,800 USD. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Latitude employees are also eligible to participate in Latitude’s annual bonus programs, equity compensation, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.

Candidates for positions with Latitude AI must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status.