Staff Software Engineer, Cloud Microservices

Lucid Motors
Full_time$172k-251k/year (USD)Newark, United States

📍 Job Overview

  • Job Title: Staff Software Engineer, Cloud Microservices
  • Company: Lucid Motors
  • Location: Newark, CA
  • Job Type: On-site
  • Category: Backend Developer, DevOps Engineer
  • Date Posted: 2025-06-04
  • Experience Level: 10+ years

🚀 Role Summary

  • Lead the development of resilient cloud microservices for bi-directional vehicle-cloud communication, orchestrating operations across the entire fleet lifecycle.
  • Design and implement an ML-aware rule engine platform for health, security, and service rules, enabling real-time health monitoring and predictive maintenance.
  • Build and maintain external-facing Fleet APIs that scale from tens of thousands to over 1 million vehicles.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize telemetry collection, reduce operational costs, and enhance the vehicle owner experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in cloud microservices, real-time event processing, and API development. Familiarity with automotive telemetry or connected vehicle platforms would be beneficial.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

  • Cloud Microservices Architecture: Design and lead the development of resilient cloud microservices built around bi-directional vehicle-cloud communication, ensuring high availability and performance at scale.
  • Telemetry Processing: Design scalable architecture for processing high-volume telemetry through multi-cluster real-time MongoDB pipelines and partner with the Data Engineering team on Big Data technologies for efficient processing and analysis in the analytical pipeline.
  • Vehicle Segmentation: Develop intelligent vehicle segmentation and sampling strategies to optimize telemetry ROI while minimizing costs.
  • In-Vehicle Agents: Co-design in-vehicle agents that integrate with cloud-based orchestration systems.
  • ML-Aware Rule Engine: Create an ML-aware rule engine for deploying health, security, and service rules across edge and cloud environments.
  • Fleet APIs: Build and maintain external-facing Fleet APIs that scale from tens of thousands to 1 million+ vehicles.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with various teams across the vehicle lifecycle to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves working with cutting-edge technologies and requires a deep understanding of cloud microservices, real-time event processing, and API development. Strong collaboration and communication skills are essential for success in this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree would be an asset.

Experience: 8+ years of software engineering experience with 3+ years in architecture roles.

Required Skills:

  • Proficient in Go, Java, or Python with microservices experience using gRPC, Protocol Buffers, and REST APIs.
  • Expert knowledge of MongoDB at scale, including change streams and multi-cloud geo-sharded deployments.
  • Expert knowledge of real-time event processing systems, including MQTT protocol for vehicle-cloud communication, and NATS and Kafka for cloud-side event processing.
  • Experience with rule engines and decision systems for IoT applications.
  • Track record designing, developing APIs for high-scale, long-lived systems.
  • Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with automotive telemetry or connected vehicle platforms.
  • Knowledge of EV architectures and vehicle control units.
  • Background in predictive maintenance or health monitoring systems.
  • Experience optimizing telecom costs for IoT deployments.
  • Familiarity with ML integration into operational systems.
  • Understanding of edge vs. cloud processing tradeoffs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not required, experience with automotive telemetry or connected vehicle platforms would be highly beneficial for this role. Familiarity with ML integration into operational systems and understanding of edge vs. cloud processing tradeoffs would also be valuable.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Cloud Microservices Projects: Include examples of cloud microservices projects showcasing your ability to design and develop resilient, high-performance systems.
  • API Development: Demonstrate your experience building and maintaining APIs for high-scale, long-lived systems.
  • Real-time Event Processing: Highlight projects that involve real-time event processing, using technologies such as MQTT, NATS, or Kafka.
  • Rule Engine Platforms: Showcase your experience with rule engine platforms, ideally in an IoT or connected vehicle context.

Technical Documentation:

  • Code Quality: Demonstrate your commitment to code quality, commenting, and documentation standards.
  • Version Control: Showcase your experience with version control systems, preferably Git, and deployment processes using CI/CD pipelines.
  • Testing Methodologies: Highlight your experience with testing methodologies, including unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, it's crucial to demonstrate your experience with cloud microservices, API development, and real-time event processing. Showcasing your ability to design and implement rule engine platforms in an IoT or connected vehicle context would also be highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The compensation range for this position is $171,500 to $251,460 USD per year, taking into account various factors such as job-related knowledge, skillset, experience, education, and training.

Benefits:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Vacation and 401k plans
  • Equity program and discretionary annual incentive program

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to the location of Newark, CA. Research has shown that this range is competitive for a Staff Software Engineer role in the cloud microservices and connected vehicle space in the San Francisco Bay Area.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

  • Industry: Lucid Motors is a luxury electric vehicle manufacturer focused on sustainability and innovation.
  • Company Size: Lucid Motors is a growing company with a strong focus on collaboration and continuous learning.
  • Founded: Lucid Motors was founded in 2007, with a mission to create the most captivating, luxury electric vehicles that elevate the human experience and transcend the perceived limitations of space, performance, and intelligence.

Team Structure:

  • The team consists of experienced software engineers, cloud architects, and DevOps engineers working together to develop and maintain the vehicle operations and cloud intelligence platform.
  • The team follows an Agile/Scrum methodology, with regular sprint planning, code reviews, and quality assurance practices.
  • The team works closely with various cross-functional teams, including vehicle engineering, data engineering, and product management.

Development Methodology:

  • The team follows Agile/Scrum methodologies, with regular sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and sprint retrospectives.
  • Code reviews, pair programming, and regular testing are essential aspects of the development process.
  • The team uses CI/CD pipelines for automated deployment and monitoring tools for real-time performance tracking.

Company Website: Lucid Motors

📝 Enhancement Note: Lucid Motors is a growing company with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. The team structure and development methodology foster collaboration and continuous learning, making it an ideal environment for a Staff Software Engineer focused on cloud microservices and connected vehicle platforms.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring a deep understanding of cloud microservices, real-time event processing, and API development. The role involves leading the development of critical systems and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Director of Cloud Infrastructure and Platforms. The role has a high level of autonomy and is responsible for leading the development of the vehicle operations and cloud intelligence platform.

Technical Impact: The role has a significant impact on the vehicle owner experience, predictive health monitoring, and operational costs. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and implementing systems that optimize telemetry collection, reduce operational costs, and enhance the vehicle owner experience.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Technical Leadership: As the team grows, there will be opportunities for the successful candidate to take on more technical leadership responsibilities, mentoring junior engineers, and contributing to the technical direction of the team.
  • Architecture Decisions: The role offers the opportunity to make critical architecture decisions that impact the entire fleet of vehicles and enhance the vehicle owner experience.
  • Emerging Technologies: Lucid Motors is at the forefront of luxury electric vehicle technology, providing ample opportunities to work with emerging technologies and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities for a senior software engineer looking to make a substantial impact on the connected vehicle industry. The role provides the opportunity to lead the development of critical systems, make architecture decisions, and work with emerging technologies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Lucid Motors has a modern, collaborative office space designed to foster innovation and creativity.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Newark, CA, with additional offices in other major cities.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The office features open-plan workspaces that encourage collaboration and communication between team members.
  • Development Tools: The team uses state-of-the-art development tools, including IDEs, version control systems, and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Cross-Functional Interaction: The team works closely with various cross-functional teams, including vehicle engineering, data engineering, and product management, to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.

Work Schedule: Full-time position with standard business hours, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Lucid Motors provides a modern, collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and creativity. The office location in Newark, CA, offers easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

  1. Technical Phone Screen: A 45-minute phone screen to assess your understanding of cloud microservices, real-time event processing, and API development.
  2. On-Site Technical Deep Dive: A half-day on-site technical deep dive, including a system design exercise, coding challenge, and architecture review.
  3. Behavioral Interview: A 30-minute behavioral interview to assess your problem-solving skills, collaboration, and communication abilities.
  4. Final Review: A final review with the hiring manager and other team members to discuss your fit for the role and the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Cloud Microservices Projects: Highlight your experience with cloud microservices, focusing on your ability to design and develop resilient, high-performance systems.
  • API Development: Showcase your experience building and maintaining APIs for high-scale, long-lived systems, emphasizing your understanding of API design principles and best practices.
  • Real-time Event Processing: Demonstrate your experience with real-time event processing, using technologies such as MQTT, NATS, or Kafka, and highlight your ability to process high-volume telemetry efficiently.
  • Rule Engine Platforms: Highlight your experience with rule engine platforms, ideally in an IoT or connected vehicle context, and showcase your ability to deploy health, security, and service rules at fleet scale.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

  • System Design: Brush up on your system design skills, focusing on designing scalable, resilient systems for high-volume telemetry processing and real-time event processing.
  • Coding Challenges: Review your knowledge of Go, Java, or Python, and practice coding challenges that focus on real-time event processing, API development, and rule engine platforms.
  • Architecture Review: Familiarize yourself with the Lucid Motors technology stack and prepare for an architecture review that assesses your ability to make critical architecture decisions.

ATS Keywords: [Provide a comprehensive list of web development and server administration-relevant keywords for resume optimization, organized by category: programming languages, web frameworks, server technologies, databases, tools, methodologies, soft skills, industry terms]

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. The portfolio review tips and technical challenge preparation guidance provided are tailored to help you succeed in the interview process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: N/A (This role is focused on backend development and DevOps)

Backend & Server Technologies:

  • Programming Languages: Go, Java, Python
  • Microservices Frameworks: gRPC, Protocol Buffers, REST APIs
  • Cloud Platform: AWS, Google Cloud Platform, or Microsoft Azure
  • Containerization: Docker, Kubernetes
  • CI/CD Pipelines: Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or CircleCI
  • Real-time Event Processing: MQTT, NATS, Kafka
  • NoSQL Databases: MongoDB (at scale, with change streams and multi-cloud geo-sharded deployments)
  • Rule Engine Platforms: N/A (The successful candidate is expected to design and implement an ML-aware rule engine platform)

Development & DevOps Tools:

  • Version Control: Git
  • Code Review: GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket
  • Monitoring Tools: Prometheus, Grafana, or Datadog
  • Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Terraform or CloudFormation
  • Configuration Management: Ansible or Puppet

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is focused on backend development and DevOps, with a strong emphasis on cloud microservices, real-time event processing, and API development. Familiarity with the listed technologies is essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

  • Innovation: Lucid Motors values innovation and encourages team members to think outside the box and challenge the status quo.
  • Sustainability: Lucid Motors is committed to sustainability and encourages team members to consider the environmental impact of their work.
  • Collaboration: Lucid Motors fosters a collaborative work environment that encourages team members to work together to achieve common goals.
  • Continuous Learning: Lucid Motors values continuous learning and encourages team members to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: The team works closely with various cross-functional teams, including vehicle engineering, data engineering, and product management, to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.
  • Code Review Culture: The team follows a code review culture that encourages peer learning and knowledge sharing.
  • Knowledge Sharing: The team encourages knowledge sharing and provides regular opportunities for team members to present their work and learn from their colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: Lucid Motors fosters a collaborative work environment that values innovation, sustainability, and continuous learning. The team encourages knowledge sharing and provides regular opportunities for team members to present their work and learn from their colleagues.

🌐 Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

  • High-Volume Telemetry Processing: Design and implement scalable architecture for processing high-volume telemetry through multi-cluster real-time MongoDB pipelines.
  • Fleet Scalability: Develop external-facing Fleet APIs that scale from tens of thousands to over 1 million vehicles, ensuring high availability and performance at scale.
  • ML-Aware Rule Engine: Create an ML-aware rule engine platform that lets teams author and deploy health, security, and service rules to edge or cloud at fleet scale, turning raw signals into real-time health, security, and diagnostics decisions.
  • Predictive Health Monitoring: Optimize telemetry collection and develop intelligent vehicle segmentation and sampling strategies to minimize costs while maximizing ROI.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Technical Skill Development: Lucid Motors provides opportunities for team members to develop their technical skills through training, workshops, and mentorship programs.
  • Conference Attendance: Lucid Motors encourages team members to attend industry conferences and events to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.
  • Technical Leadership: As the team grows, there will be opportunities for the successful candidate to take on more technical leadership responsibilities, mentoring junior engineers, and contributing to the technical direction of the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant technical challenges and growth opportunities for a senior software engineer looking to make a substantial impact on the connected vehicle industry. The role provides the opportunity to design and implement critical systems, optimize telemetry collection, and develop predictive health monitoring solutions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

  • Cloud Microservices: Be prepared to discuss your experience with cloud microservices, focusing on your ability to design and develop resilient, high-performance systems.
  • Real-time Event Processing: Brush up on your knowledge of real-time event processing, API development, and rule engine platforms, and be prepared to discuss your experience with these technologies.
  • System Design: Review your system design skills, focusing on designing scalable, resilient systems for high-volume telemetry processing and real-time event processing.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Company Culture: Research Lucid Motors' company culture, focusing on their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.
  • Development Methodology: Familiarize yourself with Agile/Scrum methodologies, code reviews, and quality assurance practices used at Lucid Motors.
  • User Experience Impact: Prepare to discuss how your work will impact the vehicle owner experience, predictive health monitoring, and operational costs.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Cloud Microservices Projects: Highlight your experience with cloud microservices, focusing on your ability to design and develop resilient, high-performance systems.
  • API Development: Showcase your experience building and maintaining APIs for high-scale, long-lived systems, emphasizing your understanding of API design principles and best practices.
  • Real-time Event Processing: Demonstrate your experience with real-time event processing, using technologies such as MQTT, NATS, or Kafka, and highlight your ability to process high-volume telemetry efficiently.
  • Rule Engine Platforms: Highlight your experience with rule engine platforms, ideally in an IoT or connected vehicle context, and showcase your ability to deploy health, security, and service rules at fleet scale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation guidance provided is tailored to help you succeed in the interview process for the Staff Software Engineer, Cloud Microservices role at Lucid Motors. The technical questions, company and culture questions, and portfolio presentation strategy are designed to help you demonstrate your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Software Engineer, Cloud Microservices position at Lucid Motors:

  1. Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with cloud microservices, real-time event processing, and API development. Include relevant keywords and emphasize your technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
  2. Portfolio Customization: Customize your portfolio to showcase your experience with cloud microservices, API development, and real-time event processing. Highlight your ability to design and implement resilient, high-performance systems.
  3. Technical Interview Preparation: Review the interview process and technical challenge preparation guidance provided. Brush up on your system design skills, coding challenges, and architecture review.
  4. Company Research: Research Lucid Motors' company culture, development methodology, and user experience impact. Prepare for company and culture questions, and be ready to discuss how your work will contribute to the company's mission and values.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.


Application Requirements

Candidates should have 8+ years of software engineering experience with 3+ years in architecture roles, proficient in Go, Java, or Python. Expertise in MongoDB, real-time event processing systems, and API development for high-scale systems is required.