Contract Student Worker – Firmware Engineer (FW Core System Services)

Zoox
Foster City, CA
HybridCareer-pivot friendly

In the 12 months to 30 Jun 2026, Zoox filed 46 H-1B positions titled "Firmware Validation Engineer". Source: U.S. Department of Labor, LCA disclosure data. A record of filings already made, not a commitment to sponsor.

Who this role is best for

A natural match if you have experience with embedded systems and automotive diagnostics protocols.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with academic focus on embedded systems and automotive protocols like UDS or CAN
    — “Industrial or automotive fieldbuses and diagnostics standards (e.g., CAN, J1939, EtherCAT, UDS, SOVD)”
  • Students seeking practical, project-based experience in real-time firmware development
    — “Work on the full development cycle of robot firmware development”
  • Individuals comfortable with cross-functional collaboration across hardware and software domains
    — “Collaborate with system, software, hardware, and test engineers to define, implement, and validate diagnostic requirements”

Things to consider

  • Must be available for 20 hours per week over a 6-month commitment
    — “Available for a 6 month project”
  • On-site presence is required, limiting remote flexibility
    — “Ability to commute on-site to one of our offices”
  • Proprietary information cannot be shared externally or used in academic work
    — “Student Worker may not use proprietary Zoox information in university theses, publications, or share it outside”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with UDS, DoIP, or XCP in firmware projects
    — “Work on the development of UDS, DoIP, and XCP clients and servers”
  • Emphasize your ability to contribute to full development cycles and validation
    — “Contribute to all phases of the software development cycle including prototyping, requirements capture, design, implementation, and validation”
  • Demonstrate familiarity with C++ and Python through relevant coursework or projects
    — “Proficiency in modern C++ for software development”
  • Showcase any experience with real-time operating systems or message-driven systems
    — “Experience with real-time operating systems”
  • Demonstrate ability to work in cross-functional teams with multiple engineering disciplines
    — “Collaborate with system, software, hardware, and test engineers”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • development of diagnostic services for thermal and body systems
  • full development cycle of robot firmware
Typical background
computer sciencecomputer engineeringelectrical engineering

Skills & requirements

Required

Embedded SystemsFirmware DevelopmentC++Python

Preferred

Unit TestingReal-time Operating SystemsNetwork Diagnostics

Stack & domain

C++PythonUnix-like EnvironmentFirmware Engineering

About the role

Original posting from Zoox via Lever

About Zoox

Zoox is transforming mobility with fully autonomous, electric vehicles designed from the ground up for a driverless future. Our mission is to make transportation safer, more sustainable, and accessible to everyone. At Zoox, innovation, collaboration, and a bold vision for the future drive everything we do.

About Our Part Time Student Worker Program

Zoox’s program offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, mentorship from some of the industry’s brightest minds, and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to real projects. We seek part time student workers  who demonstrate strong academic performance, engagement beyond the classroom, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine interest in Zoox’s mission. 

Project Overview

Zoox is seeking a motivated Firmware Engineer student worker to join our team, focusing on diagnostic services for the thermal and body systems. This is an opportunity to own highly-visible, foundational projects where you will extend our existing diagnostic infrastructure. You will work on the full development cycle of robot firmware development.

In this role, you will::

  • Work on the development of UDS, DoIP, and XCP clients and servers for current and next generation platforms
  • Develop and test embedded software for reporting diagnostic and configuration
  • Contribute to all phases of the software development cycle including prototyping, requirements capture, design, implementation, and validation
  • Collaborate with system, software, hardware, and test engineers to define, implement, and validate diagnostic requirements

Qualifications::

  • Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or equivalent experience
  • Proficiency in modern C++ for software development
  • Experience with Python programming
  • Experience with application development targeting a unix-like environment

Bonus Qualifications::

  • Familiarity with C++ unit testing principles and framework such as gtest
  • Experience with real-time operating systems
  • Network introspection and debugging at and above the transport layer
  • Industrial or automotive fieldbuses and diagnostics standards (e.g., CAN, J1939, EtherCAT, UDS, SOVD)
  • One or more inter-process communication mechanisms
  • Event- or message-driven software systems

Program Requirements::

  • Currently pursuing a B.S. or M.S., in a relevant engineering field
  • Available for a 6 month project
  • Able to commit to at least 20 hours per week
  • Ability to commute on-site to one of our offices
  • Student Worker may not use proprietary Zoox information in university theses, publications, or share it outside

$30 per hour.

This is a contract position and employment for this position will be through a vendor contracted with Zoox. The hourly pay range is posted and you will be eligible for a benefits package as offered by the vendor.

Source: Zoox careers (Lever)

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