Manager, HIL Platform Engineering

Software Engineering - Mountain View, California

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.

We’re searching for a Software Engineering Manager to lead our HIL Platform team.

• Operationalize the Platform as a Product: Transform internal hardware and simulation tools into a reliable, "customer-centric" service that enables Autonomy engineers to ship code with confidence and speed.
• Drive Strategic Technical Trade-offs: Evaluate complex architectural proposals—such as build-vs-buy on hardware rigs or cloud vs. local simulation—balancing immediate project needs with long-term platform scalability.
• Master Project Lifecycle & Execution: Manage the end-to-end delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects, from initial requirements gathering with cross-functional stakeholders to laboratory deployment and maintenance.
• Mentor and Scale the Team: Foster a high-performance culture by coaching engineers on technical excellence and career growth, while recruiting top-tier talent to meet the evolving demands of our truck programs.
• Bridge Software and Physical Reality: Act as the primary interface between pure software teams and vehicle hardware teams, ensuring the platform accurately reflects the complexities of an autonomous truck.

• 10+ years of professional software or systems engineering experience
  : successfully built and shipped complex technical products or platforms.
• 7+ years of people management experience
  : a demonstrated ability to lead teams through high-pressure delivery cycles and organizational growth.
• Strategic Decision-Making
  :
  Proven ability to analyze technical trade-offs (e.g., performance vs. maintainability) and align engineering roadmaps with overarching business objectives.
• Strong Project Management
  :
  Expertise in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with a focus on predictable delivery, risk mitigation, and resource allocation.
• Technical Breadth
  :
  High proficiency in at least one systems-level language (e.g., C++ or Rust
  ), an automation/scripting language (e.g.,
  Python
  , Golang
  ) or cloud infrastructure with the ability to lead deep-dive technical reviews across different layers of the stack.
• Product-Minded Infrastructure
  :
  Experience managing "platform-as-a-product" teams (e.g., Dev Ops, Developer Tools, or Simulation) where the primary customers are other engineers.
• HIL or Robotics Exposure
  :
  Familiarity with Hardware-in-the-Loop testing, robotics middleware (ROS), or hardware-software integration.
• Safety-Critical Systems
  :
  Experience working in regulated industries such as aerospace, automotive, or medical devices where safety and reliability are paramount.
• Scaling Internal Labs
  :
  Experience managing physical assets or laboratory infrastructure at scale within a high-growth technology environment.

The base salary range for this position is $189,000 - $303,000 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.

Aurora brings 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. 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.

Aurora considers candidates without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender…