Who we are
Aurora’s mission is to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly.
The Aurora Driver will create a new era in mobility and logistics, one that will bring a safer, more efficient, and more accessible future to everyone.
At Aurora, you will tackle massively complex problems alongside other passionate, intelligent individuals, growing as an expert while expanding your knowledge. For the latest news from Aurora, visit or follow us on LinkedIn.
What we are looking for
Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all.
As a Staff LiDAR Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for architecting, specifying, and optimizing LiDAR systems and solutions that power the Aurora Driver. In this high-impact role, you will lead requirements development, technology evaluation, and performance verification for our next-generation sensors. You’ll collaborate with world-class cross-functional teams to ensure the successful integration of LiDAR technology into our autonomous vehicle platform, driving the future of self-driving safety and performance.
In this role you will
Develop and maintain LiDAR system requirements.
Develop and perform LiDAR testing, evaluation, and on-vehicle data collection.
Track the state of the art LiDAR technologies and LiDAR products, and build LiDAR technology landscape.
Define verification and validation procedures for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) LiDAR products.
Perform data analysis, root cause analysis, and risk assessment for COTS LiDAR on the fleet.
Analyze system-level issues through collaboration with HW and SW teams to understand factors affecting the system performance in real-world scenarios.
Prepare and present technical reports for management.
Partner with multiple functions including Mechanical, Electrical, Optical, and Firmware Engineering, as well as Validation, Manufacturing, and Hardware Safety teams.
Required qualifications
MS in Optics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics (or equivalent experience)
7+ years of industry experience in sensor systems
Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced startup environment.
Prior experience with complex, multi-domain systems
Strong organizational abilities to drive and manage requirements end to end
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Experience working with contract manufacturers.
In-office, based at the Mountain View, CA office, 3+ days per week, 5 days encouraged.
Ability to travel occasionally (domestically and internationally).
Desirable qualifications
Ph.D. (or equivalent).
Automotive systems experience.
Autonomous driving industry experience.
Familiarity with LiDAR systems and LiDAR or optical sensing technologies.
Familiarity with system engineering processes and best practices.
The base salary range for this position is $181,000 - $262,000 per year. Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.
Working at Aurora
At Aurora, we bring together extraordinarily talented and experienced people united by the strength of our values. We operate with integrity, set outrageous goals, and build a culture where we win together — all without any jerks.
We believe in-person work increases collaboration, empathy, and our ability to lead effectively. As a result, Aurorans are expected to work from the office at least 3 days per week, with some roles requiring more frequent in-office presence, up to 5 days per week, based on operational needs.
Our Careers page provides insight into what it is like to work at Aurora, and you can find all the latest updates in our Newsroom.
Our commitment to safety
At the core of everything we do is our commitment to safety. Building best-in-class self-driving technology will take time, and we believe that each employee at Aurora has a role in contributing to safety, every step of the way. Aurora expects commitment to our safety policies from every employee, and seeks candidates who take an active responsibility, can contribute to building an atmosphere of trust, and invest in the organization’s long-term success by prioritizing working safely, no matter what.
Our commitment to inclusion
Aurora considers candidates without regard to their 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 and/or military status, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected by federal or state law. Aurora considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].
For California applicants, information collected and processed as part of your application and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Aurora’s California Employment Privacy Policy.