What does an autonomous driving software engineer do?

1 Software Development Cycle

An autonomous driving software engineer follows a software development cycle that typically involves planning, designing, coding, testing, debugging, deploying, and maintaining the software components and modules that make up the autonomous driving system. They use various programming languages, frameworks, and tools to create and integrate software solutions that meet the functional and non-functional requirements of the system, such as performance, safety, reliability, scalability, and security. They also collaborate with other software engineers, hardware engineers, product managers, and stakeholders to ensure the software quality and compatibility with the hardware platform and the user expectations.

2 Software Architecture and Design

An autonomous driving software engineer applies software engineering principles and best practices to design and implement the software architecture and design of the autonomous driving system. The software architecture defines the high-level structure and organization of the software components and modules, their interfaces and interactions, and their dependencies and constraints. The software design specifies the low-level details and logic of each component and module, and how they work together to achieve the desired functionality and behavior. An autonomous driving software engineer uses various methods and tools to model, document, and communicate the software architecture and design, such as UML diagrams, design patterns, code reviews, and documentation.

4 Software Deployment and Maintenance

An autonomous driving software engineer deploys and maintains the software components and modules on the target hardware platform, such as the vehicle's onboard computer, sensors, actuators, and communication devices. They use various deployment techniques and tools to install, configure, update, and monitor the software on the platform, and to ensure its compatibility and interoperability with the hardware and the environment. They also use various maintenance techniques and tools to provide support, troubleshooting, and enhancements to the software, and to ensure its reliability, availability, and security.

5 Skills and Tools

An autonomous driving software engineer needs a combination of technical and soft skills to perform their tasks effectively and efficiently. Technical skills required include proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, Java, MATLAB; knowledge of software engineering principles and practices, such as agile, scrum, waterfall; familiarity with software development tools like IDEs, compilers, debuggers, version control; understanding of software testing tools, such as frameworks, libraries, simulators; experience with software deployment tools such as containers, cloud, edge; expertise in software architecture and design tools like UML, design patterns; aptitude for software documentation tools like Markdown and LaTeX; autonomous driving domain knowledge including perception, localization, planning and control; know-how of autonomous driving technologies like sensors, cameras, lidars and radars; and awareness of autonomous driving standards and regulations such as ISO 26262 and SAE J3016. Soft skills needed include communication skills (verbal, written and presentation); collaboration skills (teamwork, coordination and feedback); problem-solving skills (analytical, logical and creative); learning skills (curiosity, adaptability and self-motivation); and ethical skills (integrity, responsibility and accountability).

6 Career Paths

An autonomous driving software engineer can pursue various paths depending on their interests, goals, and experience. A senior software engineer has more experience and responsibility than a junior or mid-level engineer. They lead and mentor other software engineers, oversee and manage the software development cycle, and make strategic and technical decisions for the software architecture and design. An autonomous driving software architect focuses on the high-level design and structure of the software system, defining and documenting the architecture and design to ensure its alignment with the system requirements and goals. An autonomous driving software manager oversees and coordinates the software development team and process by planning and allocating resources, budget, and schedule. They also communicate and report on the software status to senior management and clients. An autonomous driving software consultant provides advice and guidance on the development and implementation of an autonomous driving system. They analyze client needs, propose solutions that meet their requirements, deliver training, and provide support to staff and users.