Staff Software Engineer - OS, Robot Software

Wayve's Robot Software team builds the onboard software used by our development fleet to enable autonomous driving and collect the data needed to train new driving models. The OS team curates Wayve's bespoke Linux and QNX distributions and works closely with hardware, supply chain, field engineering, reliability, and other Robot Software teams. You'll help deliver a reliable, stable, and flexible operating-system platform that lets model developers and scientists iterate quickly while supporting new vehicles, sensors, peripherals, and product features.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain embedded Linux and QNX platform software, kernels, and device drivers; Work with product, program, hardware, and engineering stakeholders to choose and deliver the right solutions; Develop high-quality C and C++ software that is observable and debuggable on remotely operated vehicles; Diagnose performance problems involving stack traces, core dumps, disk I/O, CPU load, memory, devices, and threading; Improve fault tolerance, diagnostics, testing, documentation, tooling, and ease of use; Mentor teammates and contribute to a strong engineering culture; Work on Wayve's embedded Linux distribution, including Yocto, kernel configuration, device trees, boot sequence, and secure boot; Support Linux kernel and device-driver support for new sensors, peripherals, and compute platforms; Develop high-throughput IPC middleware for robotics applications; Build robust diagnostics and remote debugging for vehicles with limited connectivity; Deliver stable platform software that supports rapid on-road experimentation and fleet operation; Integrate across NVIDIA Jetson, NVIDIA DRIVE, QNX, and future vehicle-compute platforms

Requirements

Strong C and C++ experience building high-performance embedded Linux system software; Understanding of the full development lifecycle, from design through delivery and optimisation; Hands-on knowledge of embedded Linux kernels, device trees, Yocto, boot flows, or user-space systems software; Ability to debug complex performance and reliability problems across system layers; Understanding of IPC mechanisms and middleware used in high-throughput robotics systems; Care about testing, documentation, observability, maintainability, and collaboration

Nice to have

Experience with NVIDIA robotics or automotive platforms; QNX or another RTOS; Secure boot; ROS-style frameworks

Benefits

Salaries benchmarked against the market annually; Meaningful equity, sharing in the ownership and long term success of Wayve; Relocation support and visa sponsorship where applicable; Hybrid working, core hours and the chance to work hands on in vehicle workshops and labs; Learning and development budgets with support for training, conferences and growth; Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, dental, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, retirement or pension where applicable, access to therapists, wellbeing partnerships, team socials and more