Tech Lead- Backend Software Engineer

Overview

Tech Lead- Backend Software Engineer at Aurora. Join to apply for the Tech Lead- Backend Software Engineer role at Aurora.

Aurora’s mission is to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly.

The Aurora Services Engineering team builds full-stack solutions including backend services, web apps, mobile apps, and real-time onboard code to enable commercial operation of autonomous vehicle fleets at scale. As a Backend Tech Lead, you will lead the team to build solutions for Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Management and drive backend architecture decisions to scale operations.

In This Role, You Will

• Partner with Product Managers, Designers, Autonomy, and Operation Stakeholders to deliver the benefit of self-driving vehicles quickly, safely, and broadly.
• Architect and build scalable cloud backend services that power real-time and offline data flows essential for fleet optimization, autonomy improvement, and commercial operations.
• Develop and deploy robust, well-engineered solutions using modern cloud technologies, building highly available, low-latency backend services, APIs, and data pipelines.
• Design complex systems from the ground up, partnering closely with Software, Hardware and infrastructure engineering teams.
• Mentor and grow senior engineers, raising the technical bar through code reviews, design discussions, and promoting a culture of engineering excellence.
• Translate complex operational data and autonomy metrics into actionable insights through scalable operator-facing tools and powerful APIs.

Required Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 8+ years of industry experience in software development, with a proven track record of designing, building, and operating large-scale backend systems.
• Deep expertise in cloud backend development, including scalable web services, distributed systems, and modern API design.
• Proficiency with cloud infrastructure and DevOps practices (e.g., AWS, Kubernetes, Elasticache, CI/CD, and monitoring/alerting systems).
• Experience building large-scale gRPC services in Golang.
• Experience in a leadership role, driving technical strategy, influencing architectural decisions, and mentoring senior engineers.
• Experience defining technical roadmaps and driving long-term strategic projects across multiple engineering teams.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to write effective technical specs, provide feedback, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Action-oriented mindset with good judgment to balance speed and quality in a growing environment.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with safety and mission-critical applications.
• Experience in onboard C++ development for autonomous vehicles or robotics.
• Experience in operations research or optimization algorithms.
• Experience in transportation, logistics, or time-sensitive operations.
• Experience with fleet management solutions for robots, vehicles, or aerial drones.
• Experience with external customer-facing software including production rollout with real customers.

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary range for this position is $212,000 - $340,000. Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The successful candidate’s starting base pay will be based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, education, and market conditions. Eligible for annual bonus, equity, and benefits. Senior level position noted.

Working at Aurora

Aurora values integrity, ambitious goals, and a collaborative culture. Learn more on our Careers page and in our Newsroom. Aurora hires talented people from diverse backgrounds to build a transportation ecosystem that improves safety and mobility for all.

Commitment to Inclusion

Aurora considers candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy status, parent or caregiver status, ancestry, political affiliation, veteran or military status, disability, or any other protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities. For assistance, contact View email address on click.appcast.io. California applicants: information collected as part of your application is subject to Aurora’s California Employment Privacy Policy.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Information Technology

Industries

• Software Development