Application Guide
How to Apply for Embedded Software Engineer
at Nuro
🏢 About Nuro
Nuro is pioneering autonomous delivery robots that are electric, efficient, and designed specifically for goods transportation, not passengers. This focus allows them to optimize for safety and reliability in a constrained operational domain. Their mission to reduce emissions and traffic congestion makes them uniquely positioned at the intersection of robotics, sustainability, and last-mile logistics.
About This Role
This Embedded Software Engineer role is central to developing the foundational software stack (Core OS, middle layer) for Nuro's L2+ to L4 autonomous delivery vehicles. You'll directly enable safe and reliable operation of the Nuro Driver™ by working on actuator interfaces, body controls, and vehicle integration, making you a key bridge between hardware and high-level autonomy software.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve writing and testing C code for a body control module on a target vehicle platform, debugging a timing issue with sensor data acquisition on the RTOS, and collaborating in a cross-functional meeting with hardware engineers to plan integration of a new actuator. You could spend part of the day reviewing code for safety and reliability, and another part hands-on with a vehicle prototype, running tests to verify software functionality.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Nuro Is Looking For
- A systems-level programmer with 2+ years of hands-on experience developing real-time applications on an RTOS (e.g., QNX, FreeRTOS, VxWorks), not just theoretical knowledge.
- Someone who can demonstrate strong C programming skills in an embedded context, with examples of debugging complex, timing-sensitive issues on actual hardware.
- An engineer with a solid grasp of OS internals (scheduling, memory management, IPC) and driver development, capable of collaborating closely with hardware engineers during bring-up and integration.
- A problem-solver who thrives in a cross-functional environment, comfortable prototyping on vehicle platforms and communicating effectively with autonomy teams and external OEMs/suppliers.
📝 Tips for Applying to Nuro
Tailor your resume to highlight specific projects involving real-time OS, C programming for embedded systems, and hands-on vehicle or robotics platform work. Quantify impact where possible.
Explicitly mention any experience with automotive standards (AUTOSAR), communication protocols (CAN, Ethernet), or safety-critical standards (ISO 26262) in your application materials.
Research Nuro's specific vehicle platforms (like their third-generation vehicle) and be prepared to discuss how your skills in Core OS/base software could apply to their delivery-focused architecture.
In your cover letter or initial communications, connect your passion for embedded systems directly to Nuro's mission of sustainable, efficient goods delivery—show you understand their unique product domain.
Prepare concrete examples of debugging complex, low-level software issues on hardware, as hands-on vehicle bring-up and testing is a stated responsibility.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your direct experience with real-time operating systems and developing safety-critical or reliable embedded software, specifically for automotive or robotics applications.', 'Examples of successful collaboration with hardware, system, or autonomy teams to integrate software onto a physical platform, highlighting your communication skills.', "Your motivation to work on Nuro's specific problem of autonomous *delivery* and how your skills in base software and actuator control contribute to reliable goods transportation.", 'Any hands-on experience with vehicle prototyping, testing, or working with OEMs/suppliers, demonstrating you understand the practical challenges of the role.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Nuro's third-generation autonomous delivery vehicle—its design, announced partners, and how it differs from passenger-focused autonomous vehicles.
- → Nuro's partnerships with companies like Domino's, Kroger, or FedEx to understand the real-world operational domain and reliability requirements for delivery bots.
- → The company's technical blog, patents, or talks by their engineers to grasp their specific technical challenges in autonomy and vehicle integration.
- → News about Nuro's regulatory milestones (like the first autonomous vehicle exemption from NHTSA) to understand the safety and compliance landscape they navigate.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Presenting experience that is purely in application-level or non-real-time software without demonstrating hands-on embedded or RTOS work.
- Using generic language about 'passion for autonomous vehicles' without tailoring it to Nuro's unique focus on delivery robots and goods transportation.
- Failing to show concrete examples of debugging or testing software on actual hardware, as this role heavily involves vehicle bring-up and prototyping.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!