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Sr Software Engineer, Linux Kernel

Mountain View, California, United States Full-Time Software Engineering 4274

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Sr Software Engineer, Linux Kernel

  • 4274
  • On Site
  • Mountain View, California
  • Software Engineering
  • Full-Time

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver—The World's Most Experienced Driver™—to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo’s fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.

Waymo Onboard Infrastructure is responsible for low-level software and infrastructure on various components of the Waymo self-driving system. The team's scope covers everything from low-level system software to high-bandwidth data logging, IPC (low-latency and high-throughput), performance analysis, and full-system debugging. We work with the Hardware, Compute, Sensor, Perception, Behavior and Machine Learning teams to build the most performant and low-latency self-driving solution in the industry.

You will join the System Software Team and focus on the Telematics unit—the critical Linux-based gateway responsible for all data flow in and out of the autonomous vehicle. This includes vital functions like real-time diagnostics, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and high-bandwidth telemetry. You will be essential in developing, securing, and maintaining the connectivity infrastructure that enables Waymo's fleet to operate and improve continuously.

In this role you will:

  • System Software Development: Work on a small team of System Software and Linux Kernel Engineers to design, develop, and deploy production-grade system software components for driverless vehicles, from initial prototyping through launch.
  • Linux OS Ownership: Maintain and upgrade the operating system of the Telematics unit, including Linux kernel, device drivers, and core OS services.
  • Networking & Connectivity: Design and implement robust, high-performance networking solutions, focusing on reliable data transfer over wifi and cellular modems.
  • Infrastructure & Testing: Design and implement comprehensive testing methodology and infrastructure to ensure the reliability and security of low-level software and seamless deployment of updates across the fleet. Leverage automated testing of hardware to exercise low-level hardware-software systems.
  • Cross-Functional Problem Solving: Collaborate effectively with hardware partners (SoC vendors, ODMs) and internal engineering teams to tackle ambiguous, cross-disciplinary system challenges.
  • Network Topology: Contribute to the design and implementation of depot network topologies for efficient vehicle servicing.

At a minimum, we'd like you to have:

  • Education: BA/BS degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Programming: Proficiency in C and C++ is required.
  • Linux Expertise: 3+ years of experience developing, debugging, and deploying software in a Linux environment.
  • Networking Fundamentals: A strong understanding of the IP-based networking stack and experience with its configuration and debugging in a Linux context.

It's preferred if you have experience with:

  • Embedded Linux: Experience with Embedded Linux build systems such as Yocto or Buildroot.
  • Low-Level Software: Experience in Linux kernel and device driver development.
  • Wireless Technologies: Working knowledge of Wi-Fi (especially in congested environments), cellular and Bluetooth protocols.
  • Hardware Debugging: Working knowledge of hardware bring-up and debugging, including the ability to read schematics/datasheets and use common tools (oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers).
  • Testing Infrastructure: Experience building and maintaining testing infrastructure for OS, kernel, and other low-level code, including HIL testing stations.
  • Vendor Collaboration: Experience successfully collaborating with diverse industry partners (CM, ODM, OEM, or ISV).

The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process. 

Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo’s discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements. 

Salary Range
$204,000—$259,000 USD

We appreciate your interest in Waymo. Waymo is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a culture of belonging and maintaining a supportive workplace for all employees. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, and employment decisions are based on a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and alignment with job requirements and business needs. Waymo does not discriminate against, and prohibits harassment of, any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, military status, family status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable law. Waymo will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable law. Waymo is committed to making sure our hiring process is accessible for all candidates. If you need assistance applying for a role or participating in the interview process due to a disability, please let the recruiting team know or email waymo-candidatesupport@google.com. (This email address is intended to be used only for requesting accommodations as part of the application process. Other inquiries will not receive a response.)

Some of our Benefits

Health and wellness

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. At Waymo, you can enjoy top-notch medical, dental and vision insurance, mental wellness support, gym membership, and special wellness programs.

Financial wellness

Your financial peace of mind is important to us. At Waymo, we offer competitive compensation, bonus opportunities, equity, employees provident fund, and lots of other perks and employee discounts.

Flexibility and time off

Take the time you need to relax and recharge. Enjoy the flexibility to work from another location for four weeks per year. We support an on-site or hybrid work model and offer remote working opportunities, paid time off, bereavement, sick, and parental leave. 

Supporting families

When it comes to growing your family or caring for your loved ones, you have our full support. Enhanced leave options include 26 weeks of paid leave for birthing parents and 18 weeks of paid leave for non-birthing parents.

Community and personal development

At Waymo, you'll find a range of opportunities to grow, connect, and give back. We offer education reimbursement, personal and professional development, mentorship, and other ways to connect through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), other internal groups, and even time off to volunteer.

Cool perks

Access to Google offices, cafes, wellness centers, massages, and so much more. To support your wellbeing at home, you can enjoy at-home fitness and cooking classes, and more.

Ready to Apply?