Systems Engineer, LiDAR Characterization
Aeva
Mountain View, CA · $110k–$149k a year · Posted October 23, 2026
We last confirmed this job open on October 28, 2026. Check the employer’s site to see if it is still taking applications.
No experience needed. The posting says: “An MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics/Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with 0-2 years of industry…”
Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks
More in California job market · Systems Engineer jobs in California (79) · All Systems Engineer jobs (421) · Healthcare & Hospital Systems · Engineering jobs
More roles at Aeva
- Chief of Staff to CEO - Strategic Initiatives · Mountain View, CA
- Marketing and Communications Manager · Mountain View, CA
- Senior Photonics Module Engineer · Mountain View, CA
Similar jobs
- Platform Engineer · Flux · San Francisco, CA
- CANES Platform Engineer · Scientific Research · San Diego, CA
- Systems Engineer II · Crane · Burbank, CA
- Engineer, Rewarming Systems · Until · CA
- Platform Engineer · Sable Bio · San Francisco, CA
- (Sr) Staff SOC Architect - AI Accelerators (Multiple Locations) · Qualcomm · San Diego, CA
Where Mountain View, CA ranks
Where Mountain View, CA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #1Best cities for AI-skill jobs45% · of 100
- #1Best cities for AI-skill jobs in the West Coast45% · of 71
- #1Best cities for mid-career professionals in the West Coast68% · of 71
- #1Best all-round cities for mid-career professionals in the West Coast85 / 100 · of 39
- #1Best all-round cities for AI careers in the West Coast96 / 100 · of 39
- #2Best cities for finance pay after cost of living$161k · of 35
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
Pay compared with the market
This listing pays about $129,577 a year. Across 41 open systems engineer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $116,000 to $171,500 and the median is $150,000. That is inside the middle half of those listings, 14% below the median.
Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.
How AI is used in this kind of work
Among computer occupations, all other, AI is already used for a large share of the tasks. Measured exposure for computer occupations, all other: 31% (high).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
Skills this job asks for
Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.
About the job
Aeva’s mission is to bring the next wave of perception to a broad range of applications from automated driving to industrial robotics, consumer electronics, consumer health, security, and beyond. Aeva is transforming autonomy with its groundbreaking sensing and perception technology that integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D LiDAR sensors uniquely detect instant velocity in addition to 3D position, allowing autonomous devices like vehicles and robots to make more intelligent and safe decisions.
Role Overview
We are looking for a Systems Engineer, LiDAR Characterization, to join the Systems team and work hands-on with our next-generation 4D LiDAR sensors. This role is for someone who wants to spend most of their time on the sensor itself: running it in the lab and in the field, measuring how it performs, and working out why it behaves the way it does.
You will characterize sensor performance across a wide range of scenarios, debug system-level issues, and support sensor calibration. You will work closely with senior systems engineers and with the algorithms, firmware, hardware, and optics teams, and you will build a working understanding of the full sensor, from the photonics and electronics through signal processing to the point cloud.
What you'll do
Set up and run tests on LiDAR sensors in the lab and on vehicles for comprehensive characterization
Develop automation software to accelerate lab testing and data collection
Support field data collection across real-world scenarios, including preparing sensors and test setups and logging test conditions.
Investigate system-level issues: reproduce the problem, collect diagnostic data, and work with the relevant engineering teams to find the root cause.
Help develop, run, and verify sensor calibration procedures.
Analyze sensor data with Python or MATLAB, and document and present results to the Systems team and cross-functional partners.
What you'll have
An MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics/Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with 0–2 years of industry experience.
Hands-on lab experience with sensors, optical systems, or electronic test equipment from research, internships, or industry.
Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data analysis, and a foundation in signal processing, optics, or measurement statistics.
A methodical approach to debugging problems that span hardware, firmware, and software, and clear written and verbal communication.
Experience with LiDAR, radar, or other perception sensors, FMCW or coherent detection, or sensor calibration is a plus.
What's in it for you
Spend most of your time hands-on with a cutting-edge 4D LiDAR sensor and learn the full system end to end.
Work alongside and be mentored by experienced systems, optics, and signal processing engineers.
Be part of a fast-paced and dynamic team.
Aeva is an Equal Opportunity Employer including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.
110000 - 149153 USD a year
Salary pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, certifications, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges are subject to change in the future. Depending on the position offered, equity, bonus, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, pre-tax commuter and health care/dependent care accounts, 401k plan, life and disability benefits, flexible time off, paid parental leave, and 11 paid holidays annually.