By skyforbes 
Tokyo, October 1, 2025 — TIER IV, a pioneer in open-source software for autonomous driving, has overhauled its employee performance review program as part of a broader transformation of its human resources systems to support career development and bolster global recruitment. Effective October 1, the Total Rewards program aligns performance grades, evaluations and compensation, while also offering opportunities for employees to work on open-source development outside TIER IV, helping to expand the open-source ecosystem and accelerate innovation in autonomous driving.
Key highlights
- Clearer growth benchmarks for advancement
TIER IV has introduced clear definitions of the skills and results expected at every grade level, focusing on the work employees demonstrate in their roles. This approach strengthens both professional development and performance reviews. The new structure is designed to keep pace with the company’s non-linear business growth and allows exceptional performers to move up multiple levels in a single review cycle, with the possibility for salary increases of up to double the previous grade’s level. - Dual career ladders for equitable progression
TIER IV’s organizational structure has been streamlined into a more efficient hierarchy with clear decision-making authority. Career paths are divided into a management line and an individual contributor line. Individual contributors can advance through professional ranks — senior, principal, distinguished and fellow — matching equivalent management grades. This dual-ladder system enhances operational efficiency and quality, while cultivating talent and making the company more appealing to top-tier specialists. - Competitive salary ranges aligned with global standards
By benchmarking against leading global companies, TIER IV has established salary ranges that are competitive in the international market. Managers and individual contributors at the same grade level share the same pay bands, ensuring specialists and managers progress within the same grading and pay structure. - Opportunities in open-source development outside TIER IV
As the lead developer of Autoware*, open-source software for autonomous driving, TIER IV is committed to fostering ecosystem growth. Under the Total Rewards program, employees are permitted to engage in Autoware-related work outside of TIER IV, with the goal of combining external open-source activities with internal projects to drive both the expansion of the Autoware ecosystem and employees’ career development.
*Autoware is a registered trademark of the Autoware Foundation.
About TIER IV
TIER IV stands at the forefront of deep-tech innovation, pioneering Autoware, open-source software for autonomous driving. With a comprehensive suite of platforms and services built on Autoware, TIER IV provides everything from software development and vehicle procurement to operational support. Through the Autoware ecosystem, TIER IV works with partners worldwide to shape the future of intelligent vehicles with open-source software, aiming to create mobility that is safer, more sustainable, and accessible to all.
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