Senior Chassis Engineer, Steering Actuation

Job description

At Zoox, you will collaborate with a world-class, multidisciplinary engineering team spanning AI, robotics, mechatronics, computer vision, and automated testing. Because a robot is in control of the vehicle, you will be constantly challenged to rethink traditional engineering paradigms to design elegant, ultra-efficient hardware systems from the ground up. Working in this agile, forward-thinking environment gives you the unique opportunity to manifest your creativity, push the boundaries of vehicle dynamics, and directly shape the future of autonomous mobility. As an engineer on the Chassis Actuator team specializing in Braking and Steering Systems, you will hold end-to-end design and release responsibility for the components powering our innovative autonomous by-wire platform. Sitting at the intersection of hardware and software, you will lead the development, execution, and delivery of critical engineering milestones for an active chassis system. You will manage Tier 1 supplier relationships to deliver high-performance hardware and controls software while aggressively meeting cost, weight, timing, and performance targets. Your scope will span from core component development to system integration support and hands-on vehicle-level testing and CAN signal analysis. Working in a highly cross-functional environment, you will bridge the gap between physical hardware and autonomous execution, collaborating daily with Vehicle Integration, Functional Safety, Firmware, and Validation teams to bring our next-generation vehicle to life. ### In this role, you will: - Own the product lifecycle of the Zoox robotaxi brake and steer-by-wire system from initial concept through production, managing the development of mechanical hardware, software, and complex electromechanical systems. - Design and release 3D CAD models and 2D drawings with appropriate GD&T for both internal fabrication and external supplier production. - Define and manage comprehensive component and system requirements, encompassing mechanical, electrical, NVH, static and dynamic loading, mass, and thermal-mechanical or electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) domains, to guarantee robust performance and integration of the braking or steering system. - Lead component testing and characterization, which includes developing innovative testing methodologies, analyzing complex data, and validating system integrity. - Manage strategic supplier engagements to co-develop component designs, review engineering documentation, and ensure on-time delivery of critical hardware and software. - Partner with cross-functional Zoox teams, including Packaging, Manufacturing, Assembly, and Service, to support the seamless integration, bring-up, and operation of the vehicle. - Collaborate with multidisciplinary experts in AI, Mechatronics, Computer Vision, and Robotics to unlock and leverage the unique capabilities of the Zoox autonomous robotaxi platform. ### Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with 6+ years of industry experience. - Proven track record of designing and releasing complex components using advanced 3D CAD tools (ideally CATIA V5/V6 or 3DX) and authoring 2D production drawings utilizing ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards. - Experience developing hydraulic brake actuation systems, steer-by-wire (SbW), or electric power steering (EPS) systems and managing brake or steering controls development timelines at an automotive OEM or large Tier 1 supplier. - Deep technical understanding of hydraulic systems, friction materials, electromechanical actuators, brushless DC motors, precision gear systems, electrical integration, safety-critical system architecture, NVH mitigation, functional safety, and mass target management. - Demonstrated experience authoring technical requirements and executing validation test plans across component, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), and full-vehicle test assets. - Strong familiarity with automotive product development processes (e.g., APQP, phase-gate reviews) and a proven ability to manage long-term engineering schedules and deliverables. ### Bonus Qualifications: - Masters or Ph.D. a plus - CAN & Network skills - Vector CANalyzer/CANoe, dSPACE experience - Polarion, Jira, and Confluence experience