Life at TIER IV

Uniquely you, uniquely TIER IV

TIER IV engineers discussing

A place to support each other and take on challenges

TIER IV values individuality and builds an environment where core values shape everyday work. Our inclusive culture and supportive programs help each person grow and develop a working style that fits them.

Tokyo office

Our office in Shinagawa, in the heart of Tokyo, is where teammates from around the world come together to work on cutting-edge technology. With excellent access to destinations nationwide, the office is a 9-minute walk from Shinagawa Station or 5 minutes from Kitashinagawa Station.

Reception area with the TIER IV logo on the wall
Entrance

The reception area of our office in Shinagawa.

TIER IV engineers discussing a vehicle in the garage
Dedicated garage

The garage is a focal point for developing autonomous driving technology.

Warm-toned refresh space with table and chairs
Refreshment zone

The refreshment area offers a space for employees to relax and recharge.

Company culture

TIER IV employees enjoying a company event together

Events and communications

Company-wide meetings are held monthly, and there are various opportunities to interact with team members at seasonal gatherings and other social activities. The relaxed atmosphere encourages communication, creating a strong sense of unity across the company.

TIER IV employees discussing results of the engagement survey

Engagement surveys

To keep improving the workplace, we conduct engagement surveys and use the results to shape new initiatives.

TIER IV engineers collaborating in the office

Great Place to Work Promotion Committee

A committee of employee representatives and HR meets regularly to discuss initiatives that make TIER IV an even better place to work.

TIER IV employees discussing the comapny's DEIB activities

DEIB Committee

Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee promotes a culture where every individual can contribute their strengths and grow together as a team. TIER IV brings together people from diverse backgrounds, spanning different ages, genders, nationalities and areas of expertise.

Team demographics

Graphic showing the percentage of engineers among TIER IV employees
Ratio of engineers
Graph showing the total number of TIER IV employees
Number of employees (as of April 1, 2025)
Graphic showing the percentage of international employees at TIER IV
Ratio of international employees
Chart showing the age distribution of TIER IV employees
Age distribution

Total Rewards program

TIER IV has introduced a Total Rewards program, a framework that supports employee growth, evaluation and motivation. Through this program, we aim to help every employee realize their full potential and contribute to our mission and vision.
Grades
A performance-driven grading system has been implemented to ensure flexibility and scalability. Based on the company’s core values and key focus areas, the four core competencies below have been defined, with expected levels of achievement established for each grade.

  • Skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Management
  • Leadership
Career paths
The system features dual-track career paths – management and professional tracks. Each path has clearly defined expectations for the competencies, scope of impact and roles required at every level. Promotions and demotions are based on demonstrated competencies, with management track advancements requiring specific assignments. To evaluate performance adequately in response to the company’s business growth, a flexible, multi-level promotion system is used, allowing grades to be assigned independent of tenure or age.
Evaluation

At TIER IV, the purpose of evaluation is to foster the growth of each employee and strengthen their abilities within the organization.

 

  • Performance evaluation: Individual goals, including difficulty and weight, are set in alignment with organizational objectives, and individual performance is evaluated based on achievements.
  • Demonstrated competency evaluation: This assessment focuses on whether employees have met the standards of demonstrated competencies defined for their grade. This evaluation serves as a development tool, highlighting areas for improvement necessary for promotion to the next grade and provides employees with insights to support their ongoing personal growth.
Salary breakdown

Monthly base salary: Includes life planning allowance – a monthly allowance provided to support employees’ long-term financial health – and fixed overtime allowance, paid regardless of actual overtime worked.

 

* Fixed overtime hours may vary depending on the contract. It generally covers up to 45 hours of overtime per month.

 

* Additional pay is provided for any overtime beyond 45 hours.

Bonus

Paid once a year. Based on company performance and individual evaluations.

 

*Eligibility requirements apply.

Stock-based compensation

Available for full-time employees.

Comprehensive coverage
Our package includes Employees’ Pension Insurance, health insurance, employment insurance and industrial accident compensation, ensuring thorough protection for team members.
Pension plan
Secure your future with our corporate defined contribution pension plan, where you manage how your contributions are invested, providing peace of mind for retirement.
Commuting allowance
We cover commuting expenses, ensuring convenient access to the office whenever required.
Support programs
Parental leave, condolence leave, and reduced working hours are among the support we offer to help employees balance their work and personal lives.
Secondary employment
Allowed with prior approval. Employees are permitted to engage in Autoware-related work outside of TIER IV to drive expansion of the Autoware ecosystem.
PhD support
We offer support for employees who wish to pursue a doctoral degree, making it possible to carry out PhD research while continuing to work.
Relocation support
For employees relocating from another region, the company provides a moving allowance, covering packing and transport costs within a specified cap.
Employee discounts
Take advantage of exclusive discounts on select TIER IV products.

Employment terms

Employment options
Choose from flexible work arrangements including full-time, contract and part-time positions to suit your lifestyle and career goals.
Flexible work style

Most regular employees are contracted to work an eight-hour day with options for flextime and remote work, allowing for autonomy in how you manage your schedule.

 

Holidays

In addition to weekends, employees have time off on national holidays, a three-day summer break between July and September*, and six days over the New Year period. New hires also receive 20 days of paid leave in their first year.

 

*Excluding new hires who start in July and August of the current year.

Probation period
Our probationary period is two months, giving you time to settle in and showcase your skills.
Retirement age

65

 

*Option to continue working beyond retirement age.

Training

Company and strategy
  • Understanding TIER IV’s mission and values
  • Business goals and long-term vision
  • Brand and roadmap awareness
Safety and compliance
  • Traffic safety course
  • Occupational health and accident prevention
  • Information security
Tools and development practices
  • Jira training
  • R&D and software quality practices
  • Quality improvement awareness
Onboarding and communication
  • Practical onboarding support
  • Guidance on internal systems and tools
  • Informal communication and community building