Senior Software Engineer - Time Synchronization & Embedded Networking

Latitude AI•Detroit, MI

About The Position

Latitude AI (lat.ai) develops automated driving technologies, including L3, for 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: We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Software Engineer specializing in Time Synchronization and Embedded Networking for autonomous systems. You will be responsible for the hands-on design, development, and technical problem-solving for critical timing and networking solutions. This role requires deep expertise in precision timing protocols and functional safety standards to ensure the robust, reliable, and safe operation of our next-generation autonomous platforms.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics or a related field and 4+ years of relevant experience (or Master's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience, or PhD)
5+ years of experience in embedded systems software development, with a significant focus on time synchronization
Expert-level knowledge and hands-on experience with IEEE 1588 (PTP) and IEEE 802.1AS (gPTP) in real-world embedded systems
Strong understanding of time synchronization architectures, measurement methodologies, and standards (e.g., NTP, GNSS-based synchronization)
Proven hands-on experience with timing measurement instrumentation and analysis tools
Strong understanding and practical experience with functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262) for software and systems
Proficiency in C and modern C++ programming for embedded systems, particularly in RTOS or embedded Linux environments
Proven experience in designing, implementing, and analyzing network protocols and embedded Ethernet switches
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills for both time synchronization and networking
Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts and collaborate effectively

Nice To Haves

Experience with other automotive or industrial communication protocols (e.g., CAN, Automotive Ethernet)
Knowledge of broader Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) standards beyond PTP/gPTP
Experience with simulation tools
Scripting proficiency (e.g., Python) for automation, testing, and data analysis
Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) or software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing
Familiarity with various System-on-Chips (SoCs) and their networking peripherals
Knowledge of network security concepts like MACSec in embedded systems
Experience with kernel-level programming, device drivers, and/or real-time systems software

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and implementation of high-precision time synchronization solutions for autonomous systems, utilizing IEEE 1588 (PTP) and IEEE 802.1AS (gPTP), including architecting clock distribution, leveraging hardware timestamping, and implementing efficient time distribution mechanisms
Design and execute comprehensive testing, validation, and performance optimization strategies for timing systems, ensuring sub-microsecond accuracy, and diagnose and resolve complex timing, latency, and synchronization issues (e.g., task starvation, offset deviations)
Design, develop, and validate safety-critical time synchronization and networking components in compliance with functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262), including creating safety monitors, contributing to safety analyses (HARA, FMEA), and developing verification plans
Design, develop, and optimize embedded networking solutions, including configuring Ethernet switches and their forwarding mechanisms (e.g., Address Lookup Engines), managing multicast, unicast, VLANs, static ARP/MAC entries, and debugging network traffic flows
Actively contribute to technical and architectural discussions, collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners, and contribute to technical documentation and industry standards related to timing and networking

Benefits

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
Daily lunches, snacks, and beverages available in all office locations
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