Principal Engineer Trajectory Generation

We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Engineer to join our Motion Planning & Control team. In this pivotal role, you will be a technical thought leader, driving the research, design, development, and deployment of cutting-edge algorithms for Motional’s autonomous vehicles. You will work on trajectory generation, sophisticated control systems, and robust collision avoidance techniques. You will be instrumental in expanding our Operational Design Domain (ODD) and ensuring our vehicles operate safely, comfortably, and intuitively in complex real-world environments.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of autonomous driving, translating groundbreaking research into production-ready software that directly impacts the safety and performance of our self-driving fleet.

• Develop state-of-the-art trajectory generation and motion control algorithms to ensure safe and comfortable vehicle motion
• Design and build robust and scalable software that enables real on-road impact by evaluating different control techniques and motion planning algorithms
• Push boundaries of existing proven trajectory generation methods to enable data-driven approaches
• Leverage modern development toolchains including testing, simulation, and continuous integration, to enable rapid development cycles
• Provides high-quality code and design reviews based on a deep understanding of the teams’ services and technologies
• Collaborate closely with perception, prediction, planning, and control teams to seamlessly integrate our trajectory generation algorithms and drive the holistic development of our autonomous driving system.

• Masters or PhD in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of research experience in robotics / motion planning, with a proven track record of contributing to state-of-the-art solutions and leading significant projects.
• 5+ years of C++ software development, with an emphasis on developing high-performance and reliable systems.
• Proven track record of delivering production-quality algorithms for autonomous trajectory generation/control in a leading role.
• Expertise in optimal control and numerical optimization.
• Theoretical knowledge and engineering experience in motion planning under uncertainty, and interaction with dynamic agents and environment.
• Familiarity with robotics algorithms in localization, perception, motion planning, and controls for autonomous systems.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and management skills.

• Proven track record of publications in relevant conferences
• In-depth understanding of common Machine Learning and Deep Learning algorithms
• Python development experience
• Experience with the Bazel build system

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, work, and connect. Our team is made up of engineers, researchers, innovators, dreamers and doers, who are creating a technology with the potential to transform the way we move.

Higher purpose, greater impact.

We’re creating first-of-its-kind technology that will transform transportation. To do so successfully, we must design for everyone in our cities and on our roads. We believe in building a great place to work through a progressive, global culture that is diverse, inclusive, and ensures people feel valued at every level of the organization. Diversity helps us to see the world differently; it’s not only good for our business, it’s the right thing to do.  

Scale up, not starting up.

Our team is behind some of the industry's largest leaps forward, including the first fully-autonomous cross-country drive in the U.S, the launch of the world's first robotaxi pilot, and operation of the world's longest-standing public robotaxi fleet. We’re driven to scale; we’re moving towards commercialization of our technology, and we need team members who are ready to embrace change and challenges.

Formed as a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv, Motional is fundamentally changing how people move through their lives. Headquartered in Boston, Motional has operations in the U.S and Asia. For more information, visit  www.Motional.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Motional AD Inc. is an EOE. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To comply with Federal Law, we participate in E-Verify. All newly-hired employees are queried through this electronic system established by the DHS and the SSA to verify their identity and employment eligibility.