Zoox · 2 weeks ago
Optical Field Test Engineer
Foster City, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$151K/yr - $207K/yr
3+ years expZoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. The Optical Field Test Engineer will be critical in ensuring the reliability and performance of optical sensors in autonomous vehicles by developing testing processes, conducting field tests, and analyzing data.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesMachine LearningRoboticsTransportation
Responsibilities
Develop and execute test plans for image sensors and optics in both laboratory and field settings
Measure performance metrics (e.g., resolution, modulation transfer function, stray light, contact angle) under varied environmental conditions
Define scalable processes for maintenance tasks (cleaning, recoating, alignment) and hand off requirements for automation or subcontracting
Continuously refine test fixtures, protocols, and data-capture workflows to boost efficiency and repeatability
Develop methods to test performance change in the field (coating degradation, abrasion, contamination) to support statistical models
Work with cross-functional teams to establish service thresholds and refine procedures based on model outputs
Present findings, draft technical requirements, and translate complex optics data into clear recommendations for safety-critical deployments
Plan and execute field tests of new sensors or hardware variants, troubleshoot on-site, and capture environmental data
Coach field technicians on proper handling and inspection procedures
Qualification
Required
3+ Years of Practical Optical Test Experience
B.S. or higher in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related discipline with optics/camera focus
Strong comprehension of image-sensor and optical fundamentals, including key performance metrics and test methods
Hands-on experience with optics metrology tools (profilometers, spectrometers, haze meters, contact-angle goniometers, etc.)
Demonstrated ability to design and run experiments (DOE), analyze results statistically, and iterate quickly in a 'scrappy' hands-on environment
Process-development mindset with empathy for field operators and an eye toward automation
Basic proficiency with programming (e.g. MATLAB, Python) for data analysis, image processing, or instrument control
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; proven track record coordinating across functional teams
Willingness to work in both lab and outdoor settings, and to travel to deployment sites as needed
Preferred
Impact: Your work ensures safety-critical vision systems perform reliably in real-world, public-space deployments
Variety: From bench-top characterization to field trials, you'll tackle diverse projects that span optics, reliability modeling, and process innovation
Collaboration: Engage with a passionate, cross-disciplinary team committed to pushing the boundaries of sensing and robotics
Benefits
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
Life insurance
Company
Zoox
Zoox is an AI robotics company that provides mobility-as-a-service and self-driving car services. It is a sub-organization of Amazon.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Zoox has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (293)
2024 (297)
2023 (209)
2022 (204)
2021 (131)
2020 (83)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$955MKey Investors
Grok Ventures
2020-06-26Acquired
2019-10-21Convertible Note· $200M
2018-07-08Series B· $465M
Leadership Team
Nelson Pedreiro
Sr. Vice President, Hardware
Z
Zheng Gao
Director of Hardware Engineering
Recent News
2026-01-16
Business Insider
2026-01-16
Channel NewsAsia
2025-12-24
Company data provided by crunchbase