Principal Systems Engineer, Safety

at Zoox

Location

Foster City, CA

Compensation

$349k–$419k USD

Type

full time

Posted

9/19/2025

Remote

Yes

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Market range · company + function + seniority

$188k—$250k—$306k

p25 · target · p75 · n=15

Posted $419k · well above market

Posting health

Aging · 65

·Open 401 days

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Job description

Zoox is on an ambitious journey to develop a full-stack autonomous mobility solution for cities and safely deploy such a robotaxi solution. The System Design and Mission Assurance (SDMA) team plays a foundational role in the company's success, responsible for constructing the safety case and fail-operational design for our autonomous driving robots before public road deployment.

We are looking for a Principal Systems Engineer to lead the design and assurance efforts for overall safety and fail-operational initiatives. In this highly visible position, you will lead technical programs with cross-functional teams, defining, developing, and continuously refining the methodology for measuring and optimizing safety and fail-operational metrics. You will serve as a trusted technical partner for the Vice President of System Design and Mission Assurance, at times representing the Vice President in leadership meetings.

You will be part of an organization with strong leadership and a transparent, respectful culture that enables you to reach your full potential. This highly visible position offers opportunities for career growth through demonstrated achievement.

In this role, you will:

Define and refine the strategy and architecture for the Systems Engineering efforts that guide Zoox’s approach to safety and fail-operational initiatives

Lead and oversee the definition, development, and evolution of safety and fail-operational metrics that measure the robotaxi’s ability to safely complete customers’ journeys

Review and approve mission assurance clearance documents

Communicate complex metric concepts, data analyses, and actionable insights to diverse stakeholders and executives

Coach and mentor SDMA systems engineers, fostering their career growth and strengthening SDMA’s technical bench

Qualifications

M.S. or higher degree in an Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field

At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in systems engineering, data analysis, performance tracking, or risk quantification for complex systems.

Demonstrated experience in defining, implementing, and managing quantitative metrics and data-driven approaches for the design and development of complex software or hardware systems

Proficiency in statistics and probability

Hands-on experience working with complex software systems, preferably in robotics, autonomous driving, or aerospace.

Collaborative team player with good written and in-person communication skills, capable of influencing, driving consensus, and presenting complex data to varied audiences including senior executives.

Bonus Qualifications

Ph.D. in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field

Systems engineering experience with large complex safety-critical systems

Metrics development experience

Experience in automotive industry 

Experience with autonomous driving or robotics

Familiarity with industry safety standards such as ISO 26262, ISO 21448, MIL-STD-882, etc.

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.

Accommodations

If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to accommodations@zoox.com 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.

Base Salary Range

There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.

Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.

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