Principal Software Engineer Trajectory Generation

We are seeking a highly experienced and passionate Principal Software Engineer to join our dynamic team and play a pivotal role in developing the core intelligence of our self-driving vehicles. In this role, you will play a crucial part in designing, implementing, and optimizing C++-based trajectory generation and control algorithms that enable our autonomous vehicles to navigate complex environments safely, efficiently, and effectively.

If you are a seasoned C++ expert with a passion for robotics, trajectory optimization, control theory, and real-time systems, and are excited by the challenge of making autonomous vehicles a reality, we encourage you to apply.

Technical Scope:

• Lead C++ software initiatives that span the motion planning and control pipeline.
• Develop state-of-the-art motion planning and control algorithms to ensure safe and comfortable vehicle trajectories.
• Design and build robust and scalable software enabling a commercial launch.
• Enable rapid exploration and evaluation of different motion planning approaches and algorithms.
• Leverage modern development toolchains including testing, HIL, simulation, and continuous integration, to enable rapid development cycles.

Role responsibilities:

• Understand and explain trade-offs and complex concepts to peers and leaders to drive technical decisions.
• Create project proposals that drive long-term technical roadmap and span multiple sub-systems.
• Write high-quality code and review designs based on deep understanding of the teams’ services and technologies.
• Design and implement robust, scalable, and modular software architectures for complex systems. Knowledge of design patterns and their application.

Mentor junior team members to cultivate product-focused mindset, research, and development.

What we're looking for:

• Principal Software Engineer: 8+ years of professional experience in C++ software development, with at least 4+ years focused on robotics, autonomous systems, or real-time control applications.
• Senior Software Engineer: 5+ years of professional experience in C++ software development, with at least 2+ years focused on robotics, autonomous systems, or real-time control applications.

Bachelors, Masters, or PhD degree preferred in Automotive Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

• Past experience owning and leading technical development on features from problem formulation, algorithm design, through implementation.
• Strong commitment to software quality, including unit testing, integration testing, and writing testable code.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to debug complex systems.

Bonus

• Familiarity with build systems like Bazel
• Experience with various robotics fundamentals, control techniques, state estimation, robust control, Model Predictive Control, and simulation environments.
• Python and/or SQL experience for data analysis, metrics processing, system/trajectory performance analysis
• Understanding of numerical optimization algorithms (interior point method, sequential quadratic programming, etc)

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors including but not limited to specific skills, experience and expertise, role location, certifications, licenses, and business needs. The estimated compensation range listed in this job posting reflects base salary only. This role may include additional forms of compensation such as a bonus or company equity. The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process. 

Candidates for certain positions are eligible to participate in Motional’s benefits program. Motional’s benefits include but are not limited to medical, dental, vision, 401k with a company match, health saving accounts, life insurance, pet insurance, and more.

Salary Range$212,000—$283,975 USD

Motional is a driverless technology company making autonomous vehicles a safe, reliable, and accessible reality. We’re driven by something more.

Our journey is always people first.

We aren't just developing driverless cars; we're creating safer roadways, more equitable transportation options, and making our communities better places to live,