JOBSEARCHER

ADAS Development Manager

NikolaPhoenix, AZApril 12th, 2026
Overview: We are seeking an exceptional and experienced Autonomous Driving Software Development Manager to lead a dynamic team working on cutting-edge perception technologies, application development, and embedded integration for autonomous vehicles at Nikola. The successful candidate will play a strategic role in managing and guiding the software engineering efforts, ensuring the delivery of robust and innovative autonomous driving solutions. Responsibilities: You will: Manage and mentor a team of software engineers focused on perception algorithms, application development, and embedded integration for autonomous driving Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for the development of perception algorithms, including computer vision, radar processing, and sensor fusion Collaborate closely with other teams, such as hardware engineering and systems engineering, to ensure seamless integration of perception algorithms into the overall driving stack Oversee the design and development of autonomous driving applications, including path planning, decision-making, and vehicle control algorithms Guide the team in the integration of perception algorithms and applications into embedded systems, ensuring real-time performance, efficiency, and compliance with automotive standards Establish software development processes, best practices, and coding standards, ensuring high-quality code and adherence to industry regulations Work with product management and stakeholders to define and prioritize software requirements, features, and roadmaps Conduct performance evaluations, code reviews, and provide feedback to team members to ensure continuous improvement Manage external partnerships and collaborations related to perception technology and software development Stay abreast of the latest advancements in perception algorithms, autonomous driving applications, and embedded systems Qualifications: You have: A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is required. A master's degree or PhD is preferred Minimum 10 years of experience in software development, with at least 5 years in a management or leadership role Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Python, and experience with embedded systems development Strong understanding of software engineering principles, object-oriented design, and software architecture Experience in perception algorithms, computer vision, and sensor fusion for autonomous systems Knowledge of machine learning techniques and deep learning frameworks is highly desirable Familiarity with automotive standards, safety protocols, and functional safety practices Excellent leadership, mentoring, and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team Strong project management skills, including planning, scheduling, and resource allocation Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders This position offers a unique opportunity to lead a talented team of software engineers and play a pivotal role in the development of cutting-edge perception technologies and autonomous driving applications. The successful candidate will have a significant impact on the performance, safety, and success of autonomous vehicles, shaping the future of transportation. Candidates must have current U.S. work authorization or be TN eligible from Mexico or Canada. This position is not eligible for CPT or OPT. EEO Statement: Nikola Corporation™ is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, age, sex, ancestry, marital status, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, medical condition, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by state or federal law.