Senior Software Engineer, Depot UX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Software Engineer, Depot UX

Company: Waymo

Location: Warsaw, Poland

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Software Engineering / Infrastructure

Date Posted: 2026-06-02

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and evolve mission-critical tools and backend infrastructure for the Waymo Driver fleet management.

• Design and implement scalable, real-time systems for operational personnel and enterprise partners.

• Enhance mobile and web applications to support fleet data collection and complex depot deployment processes.

• Solve challenging real-world problems related to event/incident response and ensure extreme data integrity.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain scalable backend systems and client-facing interfaces for autonomous vehicle fleet operations.

• Develop and enhance mobile and web applications used by operational teams and enterprise partners for fleet management.

• Implement real-time data collection tools and intuitive visualizations for depot deployment processes.

• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to event/incident response within mission-critical infrastructure.

• Ensure high levels of reliability, correctness, and data integrity across all developed systems and user interfaces.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers and UX Designers to translate requirements into robust technical solutions.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering practices, including testing, monitoring, and documentation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in backend development and infrastructure engineering.

• Strong proficiency in at least one of the following programming languages: Kotlin, Java, Python, Go, or C++.

• Experience in designing, building, and maintaining scalable and reliable systems.

• Understanding of API development and system integration principles.

• Experience with production hygiene, reliability monitoring, and alerting.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Product and UX.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Google infrastructure, such as Borg, Protocol Buffers, and Spanner.

• Experience with integration testing, documentation, and support processes.

• Experience developing internal user-facing products.

• Knowledge of event/incident response systems and methodologies.

• Experience with data visualization and dashboarding tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5+ years" experience level and preference for Google infrastructure suggest this role is geared towards mid-to-senior level engineers capable of independent contribution and technical leadership within the team. The emphasis on mission-critical systems and data integrity points to a need for robust engineering practices and a strong understanding of system reliability.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end system design projects, detailing the architecture, components, and rationale behind key decisions.

• Include examples of complex backend services or infrastructure components you have built, highlighting scalability and performance optimizations.

• Demonstrate experience with developing user-facing interfaces, particularly for operational or internal tools, focusing on usability and efficiency.

• Provide case studies of projects where you implemented robust error handling, data validation, and ensured data integrity.

Process Documentation:

• Documented workflows for designing and implementing scalable backend services.

• Examples of creating and maintaining clear, concise technical documentation for complex systems.

• Evidence of establishing and adhering to production hygiene best practices.

• Process outlines for incident response and post-mortem analysis within an engineering context.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Software Engineer role focused on infrastructure and UX, the portfolio should strongly emphasize system design, scalability, reliability, and the practical application of coding skills in a production environment. Demonstrating an understanding of the full development lifecycle, from conception to deployment and maintenance, is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance package, potentially including dental and vision coverage.

• Generous paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and certifications.

• Stock options or other equity participation, common in tech companies of Waymo's caliber.

• Retirement savings plan or pension contributions.

• Hybrid work model with flexibility for remote work days.

• Access to cutting-edge autonomous driving technology and innovation.

• Potential for relocation assistance if applicable.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in scheduling, with an expectation of core hours for collaboration and team meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on industry benchmarks for senior software engineers in Warsaw, Poland. Specific compensation will depend on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the outcome of the interview process. Benefits are typical for large tech organizations in this sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Autonomous Driving Technology / Software Development. Waymo is a pioneer in the autonomous vehicle (AV) space, operating at the intersection of cutting-edge AI, robotics, and large-scale software systems. This industry demands extreme rigor, safety focus, and continuous innovation.

Company Size: Waymo is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., a large, publicly traded technology conglomerate. While Waymo operates with significant autonomy, it benefits from the resources and infrastructure of a major tech player.

Founded: Waymo began as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009 and became an independent company under Alphabet in 2016. This history provides a foundation of innovation, deep technical expertise, and a long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The Depot UX team likely consists of a mix of software engineers (backend, frontend, mobile), product managers, UX/UI designers, and potentially QA specialists.

• Engineers will report to a Engineering Manager or Team Lead, with close collaboration across product and design functions.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging extensive real-world driving data and simulation.

• Agile development methodologies, with an emphasis on iterative development, rapid prototyping, and continuous feedback loops.

• Strong focus on system reliability, safety, and correctness, given the mission-critical nature of autonomous driving.

• Emphasis on collaboration and knowledge sharing to tackle complex, multifaceted challenges.

Company Website: https://waymo.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Waymo's culture is likely to be highly technical, data-driven, and focused on safety and innovation. As a senior engineer, you'll be expected to contribute to this culture through rigorous engineering practices and collaborative problem-solving.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Software Engineer. This level implies a significant degree of autonomy, the ability to lead technical initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and influence architectural decisions. The role requires deep technical expertise in backend systems and infrastructure, coupled with an understanding of user experience for operational tools.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Software Engineer will likely report to an Engineering Manager or Team Lead within the Depot UX team. They will work closely with Product Managers, UX Designers, and fellow engineers on cross-functional product development.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on Waymo's operational efficiency and scalability. By building and improving the tools that manage the autonomous fleet, the engineer directly contributes to the company's ability to operate safely, expand its services, and achieve its mission. The work ensures that the complex logistics of depot operations are streamlined and reliable.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like distributed systems, large-scale infrastructure, real-time data processing, or mobile/web application development within the autonomous driving domain.

• Leadership Development: Transition into roles such as Tech Lead, Engineering Manager, or Principal Engineer, taking on more strategic technical direction and team leadership responsibilities.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with various Waymo teams, understanding different aspects of the autonomous driving stack and business operations.

• Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior engineers, contributing to the development of the broader engineering team.

• Innovation: Contribute to the development of novel solutions for unique challenges in the autonomous vehicle space.

📝 Enhancement Note: Senior roles at companies like Waymo often offer substantial growth potential, both technically and in terms of leadership. The emphasis on mission-critical infrastructure means opportunities to work on highly impactful and technically challenging problems.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Waymo operates a hybrid work model, suggesting a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. The office environment is likely to be modern and tech-focused, designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): While the job posting specifies Warsaw, Poland, Waymo has multiple offices globally, including in the United States (e.g., Mountain View, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Detroit, MI). The Warsaw office will serve as the primary work location for this role, with potential for occasional travel to other Waymo sites.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace where engineers, product managers, and designers work closely together. Open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and collaboration zones are common.

• Technology Access: Access to Waymo's proprietary tools, development environments, and advanced computing resources.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, stand-ups, and brainstorming sessions to facilitate communication and problem-solving. The hybrid model will necessitate effective use of virtual collaboration tools.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, with a standard 40-hour work week. The hybrid arrangement provides flexibility, allowing engineers to balance in-office days with remote work. Core hours are expected for team synchronization and collaborative work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role means candidates should be comfortable with both in-office collaboration and effective remote work practices, including strong communication skills across distributed teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and may conduct a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Technical Phone Screen: Typically involves a coding challenge or discussion of technical concepts, often focusing on algorithms, data structures, and backend system design principles.

• On-site/Virtual Loop: A series of interviews (typically 4-5 sessions) with different team members, including engineers, potential peers, and managers. These interviews will cover:

  • Coding and Algorithms: More in-depth coding challenges, often focusing on practical application and efficiency.
  • System Design: Designing scalable and reliable systems for specific use cases relevant to Waymo's operations.
  • Behavioral Questions: Assessing your experience, problem-solving approach, teamwork, and alignment with Waymo's culture (e.g., STAR method).
  • Domain-Specific Questions: Discussions related to infrastructure, reliability, and potentially autonomous driving concepts.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A final discussion to assess overall fit, career aspirations, and address any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your skills in backend development, infrastructure, system design, and building user-facing tools.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you solved, your specific contributions, the technologies used, and the resulting impact (e.g., performance improvements, scalability achieved, user satisfaction).

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the architectural choices, trade-offs made, and any challenges encountered during development.

• Process & Reliability: Highlight your experience with testing, monitoring, documentation, and ensuring system reliability.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Present your portfolio in a clear, well-organized manner, whether through a personal website, GitHub repository, or detailed presentation slides.

Challenge Preparation:

• System Design: Practice designing systems for scale, reliability, and fault tolerance. Consider aspects like API design, data storage, caching, and load balancing.

• Coding Proficiency: Sharpen your skills in your preferred languages (Kotlin, Java, Python, Go, C++), focusing on clean code, efficiency, and common data structures/algorithms.

• Behavioral Scenarios: Prepare specific examples using the STAR method to illustrate how you've handled challenges, collaborated with teams, and driven successful outcomes.

• Waymo's Mission: Understand Waymo's mission and technology. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Senior" title and the nature of Waymo's work, expect a rigorous interview process that heavily weighs system design, coding proficiency, and experience with building robust, scalable, and reliable infrastructure. Demonstrating an understanding of Waymo's specific domain is a plus.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Backend Languages: Kotlin, Java, Python, Go, C++ (proficiency in at least one is required; familiarity with several is preferred).

• Infrastructure/Cloud: Google infrastructure (Borg, Protocol Buffers, Spanner) is highly preferred. Experience with other cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and containerization (Kubernetes, Docker) is generally valuable.

• Databases: Spanner (preferred), SQL, NoSQL databases.

• API Development: RESTful APIs, gRPC.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for monitoring system performance, reliability, and incident tracking.

• Data analysis tools for understanding user behavior and system metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user-facing tools interact with backend systems and data pipelines is key.

• Experience with automation for deployment, testing, and operational tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The strong preference for Google infrastructure (Borg, Protocol Buffers, Spanner) indicates that candidates with this specific experience will have a significant advantage. Familiarity with these tools is crucial for understanding the Waymo ecosystem.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in the autonomous driving industry, influencing all engineering decisions and processes.

• Excellence & Rigor: Commitment to high-quality engineering, meticulous attention to detail, and robust problem-solving.

• Collaboration: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and the pursuit of novel solutions to complex challenges.

• Data-Driven: Utilizing data to inform decisions, measure impact, and drive continuous improvement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Engineers are expected to work closely with Product, UX, and other engineering disciplines, ensuring alignment and shared ownership of product goals.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent feedback, constructive debate, and knowledge sharing within and across teams.

• Team Ownership: Promoting a sense of collective responsibility for the success and reliability of the systems developed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Waymo's culture likely emphasizes a strong sense of responsibility due to the high-stakes nature of autonomous driving. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to quality, safety, and collaborative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scalability: Building systems that can handle Waymo's rapidly growing fleet and expanding operational footprint.

• Reliability & Safety: Ensuring mission-critical systems operate with extreme correctness and minimal downtime, directly impacting safety.

• Complexity: Tackling novel and complex problems inherent to autonomous vehicle operations and fleet management.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Effectively collaborating with diverse teams to deliver integrated solutions.

• Rapid Evolution: Adapting to the fast-paced technological advancements and business needs within the autonomous driving industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Cutting-Edge Technology: Working with state-of-the-art autonomous driving technology and distributed systems.

• Deep Technical Expertise: Opportunity to become an expert in areas like large-scale backend infrastructure, real-time systems, and safety-critical software development.

• Industry Leadership: Contributing to a company at the forefront of a transformative industry.

• Professional Growth: Access to internal training, mentorship programs, and opportunities to attend industry conferences.

• Impactful Projects: Working on projects that have a direct and significant impact on Waymo's mission and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are significant but also offer substantial opportunities for growth and impact, making this role attractive to ambitious engineers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex backend system you designed and built. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure its scalability and reliability?" (Focus on system design, trade-offs, and reliability metrics).

• "How would you approach building a real-time dashboard for monitoring a fleet of autonomous vehicles in a depot? What data points would be critical, and what technologies would you consider?" (Focus on real-time data processing, system architecture, and UX considerations for operational tools).

• "Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult stakeholder or resolve a conflict within a cross-functional team. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Waymo and the autonomous driving industry specifically?" (Research Waymo's mission, recent news, and your personal connection to AVs).

• "How do you approach ensuring data integrity in complex systems?" (Relate to Waymo's need for extreme correctness).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• STAR Method: For behavioral questions, use the Situation, Task, Action, Result framework.

• Visual Aids: If presenting projects, use diagrams (system architecture, data flow) to illustrate concepts clearly.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use numbers and metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., "reduced latency by X%", "supported Y% increase in user capacity").

• Explain Trade-offs: Be prepared to discuss the decisions you made and the trade-offs you considered in your design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect questions that probe your technical depth, problem-solving abilities, and your capacity to operate effectively in a mission-critical, collaborative environment. Tailor your answers to Waymo's specific challenges and technological domain.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Software Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the Waymo Careers portal at https://careers.withwaymo.com/jobs?gh_jid=7947052.

• Resume Customization: Tailor your resume to highlight your backend development, infrastructure engineering, and system design experience, explicitly mentioning languages like Kotlin, Java, Python, Go, or C++. Emphasize any experience with large-scale systems, reliability, and Google infrastructure if applicable.

• Portfolio Preparation: Select 2-3 key projects that showcase your ability to build scalable, reliable systems and user-facing tools. Be ready to discuss the technical details, your contributions, and the impact of these projects.

• Technical Skill Refresh: Review core computer science concepts, algorithms, data structures, and system design principles. Practice coding problems, especially those related to distributed systems and scalability.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Waymo's mission, technology, and recent achievements in the autonomous driving space. Understand the challenges of fleet management and depot operations.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Waymo's hiring team.