Zoox is seeking a Sr. Suspension System Engineer to join our Vehicle System Integration engineering team. In this key role, you will drive the system requirements, functional architecture, integration, and verification activities to achieve end-to-end system capability. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential, as you'll work with vehicle integration, feature integration, firmware, and vehicle component development teams to deliver the overall reliability and performance of our cutting-edge vehicles.
We are looking for an engineer who is passionate about developing a groundbreaking Robotaxi, has a strong system engineering background, has extensive active suspension system experience, has system problem-solving skills, and has a commitment to deliver on time.
### In this role, you will:
Lead the design and controls development of a full active suspension system for an autonomous vehicle platform.
Author system technical specifications, system requirements, and interface control documents for the active suspension system.
Develop system design, integration, and validation test plans to ensure optimal ride quality, handling performance, safety, and efficiency, balancing vehicle attributes.
Plan and execute vehicle-level system integration activities, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, vehicle validation, and virtual verification.
Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, firmware, and controls teams to define system requirements and ensure seamless subsystem integration.
Ensure suspension subsystems — including actuators, sensors, control modules, and electromechanical components — meet defined requirements and interface specifications.
Participate in technical design reviews and supplier evaluations, ensuring verification and validation plans are comprehensive and well-executed.
Develop System FMEAs, diagnostic strategies, and fault reactions to ensure safe and robust suspension system operation across all driving conditions.
Lead root cause analysis and issue resolution, including data analysis, log reviews, and hardware investigations.
Requires occasional domestic and international travel (~2 weeks per year).
### Qualifications
Strong foundation in vehicle dynamics, structural mechanics, and control theory as applied to suspension system design.
Experience with suspension system modeling and simulation tools (e.g., ADAMS, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar).
Deep knowledge of developing automotive systems using model-based design processes.
Deep knowledge of developing system and subsystem requirements, with proficiency in tools like IBM DOORS, Siemens Polarion, or similar.
Knowledge of automotive electrical architectures, including communication protocols (CAN/LIN/Ethernet) and defining physical and functional interfaces.
Knowledge of automotive diagnostics (UDS) routines and functional safety standards (ISO 26262).
Experience developing System FMEAs and defining diagnostic strategies and fault reactions for safety-critical systems.
Familiarity with vehicle-level integration and validation processes, including HIL testing and on-vehicle performance evaluation.
### Bonus Qualifications
Experience in Model Based System Design process
Experience in real time embedded software architecture, e.g., AUTOSAR
Experience in advanced embedded software architecture, e.g., LINUX
Experience with objective and subjective suspension evaluation criteria
