About the role
Software Verification & Validation Engineer at PlusAI in Santa Clara, CA. Hybrid, full-time, paying $110k–$140k. Posted September 4, 2026.
Key Responsibilities
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Performance Metrics Definition: Design, formalize, and implement quantitative safety and comfort metrics for AV algorithm modules (Perception, Prediction, Motion Planning, and Control). Translate high-level operational design domains (ODDs) and potential failure modes into automatable, objective criteria.
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Simulation Test Engineering: Build, execute, and maintain complex open-loop and closed-loop simulation test suites to stress-test software releases, evaluate edge cases, and benchmark module-level and system-level performance.
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Failure Triage & Root Cause Analysis: Analyze large-scale simulation outputs to distinguish genuine software regressions from simulation artifact anomalies. Localize root causes to specific modules and deliver actionable diagnostic reports to development teams.
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Test Framework Automation: Write production-grade Python scripts and extend core testing frameworks to automate test execution, data ingestion, and statistical reporting.
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CI/CD Pipeline Integration: Integrate automated regression suites into continuous integration pipelines (e.g., Jenkins) for seamless, multi-stage testing across daily builds.
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Data-Driven Quality Standards: Establish reproducible testing practices, enforcing strict artifact hygiene, dependency management, and quantitative validation over visual inspection.
Required Skills:
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Autonomous Vehicle Domain Knowledge: Deep understanding of AV stack architecture—including perception, prediction, motion planning, and control—along with their associated failure modes and physical constraints.
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Simulation & Test Design: 2+ years of hands-on experience authoring scenarios and executing test cases within Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) or Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation platforms.
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Quantitative & Safety Metrics Analysis: Demonstrated experience defining and evaluating kinematic and spatial metrics (e.g., Time-to-Collision [TTC], headway, jerk/acceleration profiles, lateral error) using statistical analysis across large datasets.
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Python Development: Strong Python scripting skills for data processing, test automation, and test framework creation, with an emphasis on clean code structure and problem-solving.
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CI/CD & DevOps Tooling: Practical experience with automated build/test pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitHub Actions) and visualization tools (e.g., Grafana, custom dashboards) to report test metrics.
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Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical/Software Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related technical discipline.
Preferred Skills:
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Standardized Map & Scenario Formats: Familiarity with lane-level maps (OpenDRIVE, Lanelet2, OSM) or scenario description standards (OpenSCENARIO); hands-on experience with spatial/geometry data pipelines.
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Computational Geometry: Foundations in applied geometry, including polyline sampling, curvature evaluation, offsets, and polygon intersection routines.
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Industry Simulators: Experience with open-source or commercial simulator tools (e.g., CARLA).
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Data Querying & Storage: Proficiency with SQL and relational databases for querying bulk test results.
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Safety Regulations & Benchmarks: Exposure to real-world crash databases (e.g., NHTSA CISS/CRSS, FARS) or standard safety testing protocols (e.g., Euro NCAP, ISO 26262/ISO 21448 SOTIF).
Prefer to apply yourself? Apply on PlusAI’s site
Quick answers
How much does this PlusAI job pay?
The posted pay is $110k–$140k.
Where is this job based?
Santa Clara, CA. The role is hybrid.
How much experience do you need?
The posting asks for 2+ years.
How do you apply?
Apply on PlusAI’s site using the link on this page. With a free Jobmagic account you can see how well you fit first.
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