Principal Software Engineer, Perception (LiDAR)

Meet the Team: 

The Perception team is responsible for developing algorithms to detect and identify objects for Torc's autonomous driving systems, allowing the system to understand and react to the environment around the vehicle in real-time. Our algorithms utilize 3D point cloud data from LiDAR and objects detected in radar returns. The team also implements sensor fusion algorithms that combine this data and provide probabilistic state estimation.

What you'll do: 

• As a Principal Autonomy Engineer, you will contribute to the research and development of state-of-the-art approaches and algorithms to enhance object detection, scene understanding, and tracking for autonomous vehicles. You will collaborate with technical leadership in other areas, such as Behaviors/Planning, Mapping/Localization, Systems, and Architecture, to deliver solutions for our autonomous driving system. Serve as an 3D sensing expert who has overseen a process from the R&D phase through product shipment and is passionate about developing real-world solutions.  

• Drive decision-making for our sensor suite, including LiDAR and its integration into the perception stack 

• Research and educate development teams on state-of-the-art algorithms and approaches  

• Collaborate with systems and architecture teams to ensure alignment with requirements

• Collaborate with engineers across various teams to brainstorm and accelerate the development of perception capabilities 

• Design and implement algorithms for LiDAR object detection and environment perception 

• Develop processes and techniques to analyze data from LiDAR to assess the performance of new and existing algorithms

• Optimize and improve existing object detection algorithms

• Mentor Junior Engineers

• Work with a winning team of robotics engineers and software developers to advance cutting–edge technology  

What you’ll need to Succeed: 

• Masters' degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field  

• 5+ years working on LiDAR-based perception algorithms to support object detection, scene understanding, and tracking 

• 3+ years leading high-performance engineering research 

• Experience productizing object detection algorithms on embedded platforms 

• Experience utilizing deep learning for object detection with LiDAR point clouds 

• Experience reviewing code related to classification, detection, and prediction algorithms 

• Experience developing algorithms and systems to support redundant systems  

• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex software and hardware systems  

• Basic knowledge of the C++ and Python programming languages. Ability to participate in code reviews of productized algorithms. 

• Experience working at each stage of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). 

Bonus Points! 

• Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field  

• Experience with camera and radar sensors 

• Knowledge of automotive Functional Safety (ISO26262)  

• Experience developing applications using the Robotic Operating System (ROS)  

• 3+ years of experience with software and algorithm optimization

• 3+ years of experience developing safety-critical software in the automotive, aerospace, or related industries  

• Experience working with agile development teams. 

Perks of Being a Full-time Torc’r

Torc cares about our team members and we strive to provide benefits and resources to support their health, work/life balance, and future. Our culture is collaborative, energetic, and team focused. Torc offers:  

• A competitive compensation package that includes a bonus component and stock options
• 100% paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for full-time employees  
• 401K plan with a 6% employer match
• Flexibility in schedule and generous paid vacation (available immediately after start date)
• Company-wide holiday office closures
• AD+D and Life Insurance