Systems Engineer, Autonomy Metrics and Behavior

Latitude AI (lat.ai) is an automated driving technology company developing a hands-free, eyes-off driver assist system for next-generation Ford vehicles at scale. We’re driven by the opportunity to reimagine what it’s like to drive and make travel safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable for everyone.  

When you join the Latitude team, you’ll work alongside leading experts across machine learning and robotics, cloud platforms, mapping, sensors and compute systems, test operations, systems and safety engineering – all dedicated to making a real, positive impact on the driving experience for millions of people. 

As a Ford Motor Company subsidiary, we operate independently to develop automated driving technology at the speed of a technology startup. Latitude is headquartered in Pittsburgh with engineering centers in Dearborn, Mich., and Palo Alto, Calif.

Meet the team:

The Latitude AI Systems Engineering team brings all the components of the autonomy stack together.  We work very closely with the software teams to verify all of the functions of the autonomy stack from sensing and perception through prediction and motion planning. The team supports requirements; and where requirements do not exist, the development of requirements. We also play a role in ensuring that products, services, and internal processes comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards.

What you’ll do: 

• Identify and/or define, interpret, and decompose vehicle level requirements into the company's product and operational framework
• Work with the software development teams to define metrics (based on the requirements) that can be implemented in an automated / scalable fashion
• Research and Analysis: Conduct thorough research on regulations and human performance studies related to these vehicle level requirements for the purpose of target setting and/or justifying a requirement  
• Requirement Formulation: Based on their research, the team develops detailed requirements. These requirements must be clear, measurable, and actionable to ensure they can be implemented effectively across the organization
• Demonstrate a continuous improvement mindset by working with cross-functional teams to identify and enhance Latitude processes and procedures
• Support the safety culture by ensuring that safety considerations are integral to decision making within the organization
• Support the verification and validation of metrics and tooling
• Collaborate with teams to support safety case development
• Collaborate with the Simulation Engineering team to develop and iterate on simulation capabilities and features
• Develop quantitative models for use-cases, define test plans informed by these models, and derive relevant metrics and must-pass criteria for the tests
• Analyze test results to identify performance and functional gaps in the system, working with key stakeholders to develop mitigations for these gaps
• Develop innovative metrics for driving behavior and/or system performance that support decisions, direct efforts, and provide clarity
• Define dashboards for reporting overall metrics

What you'll need to succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field and 2+ years of relevant experience, Master's degree, or PhD
• Experience in motion planning, motion control, or robotics
• Experience with analysis, verification, or validation of complex robotics systems, preferably in autonomous applications
• Experience performing analyses and requirement formulation that inform decision making
• Experience using scientific methods for trade studies, testing, and problem solving. Familiarity with formal verification is a plus
• Strong desire to learn new skills related to technology and software
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision
• Willingness to travel to remote offices and test facilities as needed

Nice to have: 

• Knowledgeable of FMVSS, SAE, ISO, and other regulatory and technical standards
• Experience in regulatory affairs, compliance, or a related field
• Strong statistics background
• Experience in system or algorithm design, tackling deep unsolved problems, and a history of detailed execution
• Experience programming in Python or similar
• Experience with Jira or similar ticketing systems
• Comfortability using Jama or similar requirements management systems
• Familiarity with working in a fast paced environment

What we offer you:

• Competitive compensation packages
• High-quality individual and family medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health savings account with available employer match
• Employer-matched 401(k) retirement plan with immediate vesting
• Employer-paid group term life insurance and the option to elect voluntary life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid medical leave
• Unlimited vacation
• 15 paid holidays
• Complimentary daily lunches, beverages, and snacks for onsite employees
• Pre-tax spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Adoption/Surrogacy support program
• Backup child and elder care program
• Professional development reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• Discounted programs that include legal services, identity theft protection, pet insurance, and more
• Company and team bonding outlets: employee resource groups, quarterly team activity stipend, and wellness initiatives