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Prototype Engineer

Zoox
Foster, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/12/2025 CLOSED ON 1/20/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Prototype Engineer position at Zoox?

Zoox's Hardware Software Integration team is responsible for ensuring that various hardware subsystems work reliably on our vehicle platform on a day-to-day basis. You will oversee the deployment of next-generation compute, sensor, and data networking systems for autonomous vehicles.

This role is essential and fundamental to the execution stage of Zoox's vehicle program, ensuring that hardware systems operate predictably at all times. As a Prototype Engineer, you will design and develop custom hardware solutions based on high-level requirements. You will create prototypes, leveraging existing electronic control units, and when necessary, design custom PCBs and harnesses. Your work will include preparing detailed documentation to facilitate volume production handoff.

In this role, you will:

  • Design and develop hardware prototypes, including circuit analysis and PCB layouts, using Automotive CAN and Ethernet.
  • Utilize Altium Designer for schematic capture and PCB design, ensuring high-quality standards, and managing component selection and order processing.
  • Collaborate with technicians on mounting fixtures, harness building, PCB assembly, and reworking and conduct thorough testing and validation of hardware designs.
  • Conduct thorough testing and validation of hardware designs, and generate detailed documentation for replicability and manufacturability in volume production.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field, and 5 years of experience
  • Experience in hardware design, including PCB layout and prototype development, with proficiency in Altium Designer or similar software.
  • Familiarity with the complete PCB fabrication and assembly process, and the ability to identify schematic issues and select optimal components.
  • Strong programming skills in Python for developing software solutions and debugging hardware issues.
  • Basic project management & documentation experience

Bonus Qualifications

  • Using Linux as a development environment for hardware-software integration and testing.
  • Experience with automotive communication standards such as CAN and Ethernet.
  • Experience with network interfaces and protocols, specifically IP, VLAN, and routing.
Base Salary Range

There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.

Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.
About Zoox
Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We’re looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast-moving and highly execution-oriented team.

Follow us on LinkedIn

Accommodations
If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to accommodations@zoox.com or your assigned recruiter.

A Final Note:
You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Zoox, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Salary : $155,000 - $211,000

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