Motion Planning Engineer - Trajectory Generation

Motional AD Inc.; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 142,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Motional AD Inc. in Boston is seeking an engineer to develop trajectory optimization algorithms and robust software for autonomous driving. You will integrate MPC-based planning with the motion planning architecture and contribute to production-grade vehicle control software.

The role requires 0-3+ years of C++ experience, strong fundamentals in robotics and optimization, and collaboration with ML and vehicle control teams. A bachelor’s or higher in robotics/computer science is preferred.

Qualifications

• 0-3+ years of C++ software development (educational experience counts)
• Experience with Model Predictive Control (MPC) and motion planning
• Understanding of numerical optimization algorithms
• Experience with optimization solvers (IPOPT, Gurobi)
• Past experience leading features from problem formulation to implementation
• Knowledge of Python is a bonus
• Strong team player with excellent communication skills

Responsibilities

• Develop state-of-the-art trajectory optimization algorithms and integrate with motion planning architecture
• Design and build robust, scalable software enabling real on-road impact
• Provide high-quality code and design reviews (C++)
• Leverage testing, simulation, and CI for rapid development cycles
• Explain trade-offs and complex concepts to peers and leadership to drive decisions
• Collaborate with ML decision/behavior planning and vehicle control teams
• Mentor junior team members to foster product-focused engineering and development

Skills

C++ software development

Motion planning

Optimization concepts

Python (bonus)

Education

Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in Robotics/CS/CE/EE

Tools

IPOPT

Gurobi

Job description

Our teams are made up of engineers, researchers, innovators, dreamers, and doers. Together, we can change the world.

All Motional open positions and applications will be posted here on the official website.

Autonomy

On our Motion team, you will have the unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic team consisting of world class talent that is responsible for delivering robust trajectory generation algorithms for Motional’s commercial driverless endeavors. You will leverage your expertise in motion planning, robotics, and software development to advance the capabilities of production-ready autonomous vehicles. In this role, you will conduct innovative research, lead design processes, and implement performance-critical algorithms that enable safe, comfortable, and intuitive autonomous vehicle behaviors across Motional’s fleet of robotaxis. You will have the opportunity to work cross functionally with different stakeholders in the motion planning and controls team.

This role is at the intersection of product development and research. If you are passionate about autonomous driving, thrive on solving challenging optimization problems, and are eager to make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving field, we want to hear from you.

Technical Scope

• Develop state-of-the-art trajectory optimization algorithms to ensure safe and comfortable vehicle motion, and integrate with the overall motion planning architecture
• Design and build robust and scalable software that enables real on-road impact by evaluating different control techniques and motion planning algorithms
• Provides high-quality code and design reviews (C++) based on a deep understanding of the teams’ services and technologies
• Leverage modern development toolchains, including testing, simulation, and continuous integration, to enable rapid development cycles

Role responsibilities

• Understands and explains trade-offs, complex concepts to peers and leaders to drive decisions.
• Collaborate with teams working on (ML) decision/behavior planning, prediction, and vehicle control to build comprehensive and integrated solutions
• Creates project proposals that drive long-term technical roadmaps and span multiple sub-systems.

Mentor junior team members to develop a culture of product-focused engineering, research, and development.

What we're looking for

• 0 - 3+ years of C++ software development (educational experience working on projects, internships, PhD research also counts)

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

• Experience with Model Predictive Control (MPC), motion planning, planning under uncertainty, vehicle dynamics and control, and simulation environments
• Understanding of numerical optimization algorithms (interior point method, sequential quadratic programming, etc)
• Experience with optimization solvers (IPOPT, Gurobi, etc)
• Past experience owning and leading technical development on features from problem formulation, algorithm design, through implementation
• Knowledge of Python is a bonus
• Strong team player with excellent communication skills

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

$142,000 — $190,000 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, 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.

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.

Motional is powered by a uniquely talented, highly experienced team with a diverse set of skills across engineering, robotics, machine-learning, and artificial intelligence.