Principal engineer - vehicle systems

Overview

Who we are

Collaborative. Respectful. A place to dream and do. These are just a few words that describe what life is like at Toyota. As one of the world’s most admired brands, Toyota is growing and leading the future of mobility through innovative, high-quality solutions designed to enhance lives and delight those we serve. We’re looking for talented team members who want to Dream. Do. Grow. with us.

To save time applying, Toyota does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for this position at this time.

Who We're Looking For

Toyota’s Integrated Vehicle Systems (IVS) Department is looking for a passionate and highly motivated Automated Driving Systems Principal Development Engineer.

The primary responsibility of this role is to lead the development of Toyota’s next-generation Automated Driving Systems through system architecture, software development, and validation efforts. You’ll help shape the future of mobility by driving innovation in recognition, mapping, localization, path planning, and vehicle control technologies.

Reporting to the Senior Engineering Manager, the person in this role will support the IVS Department’s mission to deliver safe, intelligent, and high-performance automated driving solutions that enhance lives and redefine transportation.

What You'll Be Doing

• You’ll be a technical leader guiding cross-functional engineering teams to deliver production-ready ADS solutions. Your day will involve strategic design, mentoring, and collaboration across global teams to bring cutting-edge mobility systems to life.
• Lead system-level design and architecture from concept through production, ensuring scalability and compliance with industry standards (e.g., ISO 26262, ASPICE).
• Drive the development of high-quality, traceable, and testable requirements in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Mentor engineers across software, hardware, integration, and testing disciplines, fostering technical excellence.
• Act as a subject matter expert in ADS technologies, guiding teams on best practices and innovation.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to align technical solutions with business goals.
• Facilitate daily communication with global counterparts, including Japanese teams, to ensure alignment.
• Educate design and evaluation teams on future ADS features and lead cross-group collaboration.
• Support resource planning, execution, and annual work assignments with the Senior Engineering Manager.
• Lead and participate in formal design and architecture reviews to ensure program success.
• Champion continuous improvement in system engineering and design validation processes.
• Analyze evaluation data using automated, quantitative methods to track performance across releases.
• Present technical updates and project status to stakeholders, including executive leadership.
• Drive prototype test vehicles and obtain advanced driver certifications to support system validation.
  
  

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience leading or collaborating on mid-size to large-scale systems development, including software development using Python, C, C++, or systems engineering.
• Proven experience in ADAS/ADS systems development, including feature/function design and validation.
• Strong background in functional safety (ISO 26262), regulatory compliance, and SOTIF.
• 5+ years of experience in data analysis and visualization for technical storytelling.
• Excellent time management, prioritization, and communication skills.
• Willingness to work overtime (up to 10%) and travel domestically/internationally (up to 10%).
  
  

Added Bonus If You Have

• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in engineering or computer science.
• 10+ years of experience developing and testing software using Python, C++, MATLAB/Simulink.
• Passion for automated vehicles or robotics.
• Experience designing algorithms using sensor data (camera, radar, lidar, sonar).
• Expertise in ADS technologies such as mapping, localization, path planning, and control.
• Experience validating embedded software and using CI/CD systems.
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) for software development and deployment.
• Hands-on experience supporting vehicle evaluations on proving grounds or public roads.
  
  

What We’ll Bring

During your interview process, our team will provide you with all the details of our industry-leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include:

• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement
• Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount
• Toyota Team Member Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable)
• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family
• Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools and more
• Tax Advantaged Accounts (Health Savings Account, Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA)
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)
  
  

Belonging at Toyota

Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace all perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star. Toyota is proud to have 10+ different Business Partnering Groups across 100 different North American chapter locations that support team members’ efforts to dream, do and grow without questioning that they belong.

Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Have a question, need assistance with your application or do you require any special accommodations? Please send an email to [email protected].