> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1239031-senior-motion-systems-engineer-actuators](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1239031-senior-motion-systems-engineer-actuators). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Senior Motion Systems Engineer, Actuators

- **Company:** Waymo LLC
- **Location:** San Francisco, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $196,000.0 - $248,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Data Analysis, Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), Communications Protocols, Ethernet, Network Interface Controllers, Fault Tolerance, Python (Programming Language), Requirements Management, Software Engineering, Software Technical Review, Jama (Software), Scripting, Safety Critical Systems, Information Technology, Canoe Software
- **Published:** July 11, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=9679935e3f07bab7

## About the Role

* 5+ years of experience integrating complex, safety-critical systems in the Automotive, Aerospace, or Robotics industries (or 3+ years with an Advanced Degree/PhD)
 * Demonstrated technical ownership of electromechanical motion control systems (e.g., Steer-by-Wire, Electronic Braking, Flight Controls)
 * Strong proficiency in Python for data analysis, scripting, or tool development (must be able to write scripts to process logs/data). Ability to read and understand C++
 * Experience with requirements management traceability (e.g., DOORS, Jama) and interface control documents (ICDs)
 * Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field

We prefer:

 * Experience developing L4 autonomous vehicle platforms or similar systems where fail-operational behavior and redundancy are requirements
 * Knowledge of ISO 26262 (Functional Safety) or SOTIF (ISO 21448), specifically in interpreting safety concepts and verifying ASIL targets
 * Proven experience managing technical interfaces with Tier 1 suppliers, including authoring Statements of Work (SOW) and leading technical design reviews
 * Proficiency with automotive communication protocols (CAN, Ethernet, Vector CANoe/CANalyzer)
 * Professional working or Native proficiency in Korean or Japanese is highly preferred to facilitate complex technical negotiations and design reviews with specific OEM partners

Travel requirements:

 * Up to 20% travel (domestic and international) to support requirement implementation with partners or verification at test sites

## Description

This role follows a hybrid work schedule and you will report to a Vehicle Systems Architecture Lead.

You will:

 * Translate product and safety goals into tangible technical requirements. You will drive architectural trade-off discussions regarding performance, fault tolerance, and reliability
 * Serve as the primary technical interface between internal software teams and external hardware suppliers (OEMs/Tier 1s) to resolve integration gaps and deviations early in the design phase
 * Review verification strategies for qualifying systems for driverless operation. You will collaborate with test engineers, close gaps in coverage, and drive final system sign-off decisions
 * Lead investigations into field issues and testing anomalies. You will use fleet data and simulation to assess risk and coordinate root-cause resolution for release-blocking challenges
 * Develop and maintain Python scripts/tools to automate the analysis of large-scale fleet data, validating actuator performance against specifications and moving verification earlier in the release cycle


## Related Videos

- [How to develop an autonomous car end-to-end: Robotic Drive and the mobility revolution](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/22-how-to-develop-an-autonomous-car-end-to-end-robotic-drive-and-the-mobility-revolution)
- [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail)
- [JavaScript? No. Java Scripts! - Scripting with Java](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2094-javascript-no-java-scripts-scripting-with-java)
- [The Gashlycrumb Tinies of AI Networking You Must Know (or Languish!)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2067-the-gashlycrumb-tinies-of-ai-networking-you-must-know-or-languish)
- [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch)
- [Data Science on Software Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/162-data-science-on-software-data)

## Related Articles

- [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology)
- [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)
- [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs)
- [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline)
- [Find a Developer Job: 12 Best Job Sites For Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/165-find-a-developer-job-12-best-job-sites-for-developers)
- [Where To Find Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/396-where-to-find-software-engineering-jobs)