Application Guide

How to Apply for Autonomy Engineer - Perception Optimization

at May Mobility

🏢 About May Mobility

May Mobility stands out for its focus on real-world deployment of autonomous shuttles that bridge public transit gaps, with over 500,000 autonomous rides given since 2017. Their innovative Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) technology reimagines how AVs think, and they're committed to creating safer, greener, more accessible transportation solutions that impact communities directly.

About This Role

As an Autonomy Engineer focused on Perception Optimization, you'll be working on improving the perception systems that enable May Mobility's autonomous shuttles to navigate safely in diverse environments. This role is crucial for enhancing the reliability and performance of their AVs as they expand services nationally, directly impacting the safety and efficiency of their real-world deployments.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves analyzing perception system performance data from deployed vehicles, developing and testing optimization algorithms to improve detection accuracy and latency, collaborating with behavior and software engineers to ensure perception improvements integrate smoothly with the MPDM system, and participating in safety reviews and validation of perception enhancements before deployment.

🎯 Who May Mobility Is Looking For

  • Has strong experience with perception algorithms for autonomous vehicles, particularly in sensor fusion, object detection, tracking, and classification
  • Possesses expertise in optimizing perception systems for real-time performance on embedded platforms
  • Demonstrates experience with fielding robotic systems in real-world environments and handling edge cases
  • Shows passion for solving practical problems that directly impact community transportation and safety

📝 Tips for Applying to May Mobility

1

Highlight specific experience with perception optimization for autonomous vehicles, not just general perception work

2

Quantify your impact on previous projects - how did your work improve detection accuracy, reduce latency, or handle specific challenging scenarios?

3

Demonstrate familiarity with May Mobility's MPDM technology and how perception optimization fits into their decision-making framework

4

Show understanding of the challenges specific to shuttle/transit applications versus passenger vehicles

5

Include examples of working with real-world deployment challenges and safety-critical systems

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with perception optimization specifically for autonomous vehicle applications', "How your work has addressed real-world deployment challenges similar to May Mobility's shuttle services", 'Your understanding of safety-critical systems and how perception reliability impacts overall system safety', "Why you're passionate about May Mobility's mission of bridging public transit gaps and creating accessible transportation"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • May Mobility's Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) technology and how perception feeds into it
  • Their current deployments and expansion plans across different cities
  • Their specific vehicle platforms and sensor suites
  • Their approach to safety and validation of autonomous systems

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Technical questions about optimizing perception pipelines for embedded systems and real-time constraints
2 Discussion of challenging perception scenarios in urban environments (pedestrians, cyclists, construction zones)
3 How you would approach improving perception reliability for May Mobility's specific shuttle use cases
4 Questions about sensor fusion techniques and handling sensor failures or degradation
5 Your experience with testing and validating perception systems in real-world conditions
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on theoretical perception algorithms without discussing real-world implementation challenges
  • Not demonstrating understanding of safety-critical aspects of autonomous vehicle perception
  • Failing to show how your experience relates to shuttle/transit applications versus general passenger AVs

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to May Mobility!