Robotics Controls Engineer

General Motors; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 138,200 - 211,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health savings account

Flexible spending accounts

Retirement savings plan

Paid vacation & holidays

Tuition assistance programs

GM vehicle discounts

Job summary

General Motors in Sunnyvale, California is seeking a Robotics Controls Engineer to join the Local Planner Controller team, focusing on trajectory optimization and vehicle dynamics.

You will implement control algorithms and collaborate with senior engineers on advanced driver assistance features.

A Master’s degree with 2+ years of experience or a PhD in a relevant field is required, along with proficiency in C++ and Python. A passion for robotics and autonomous driving is preferred.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant experience, or PhD.
• Strong understanding of classical and modern feedback control theory.
• Demonstrated ability to translate algorithms into reliable software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver vehicle dynamics, planning, and controls software.
• Implement and refine optimization and control algorithms.
• Partner with senior engineers to solve technical problems.

Skills

Optimal control

Trajectory optimization

Motion planning

C++

Python

Vehicle dynamics

Feedback control theory

Robotics dynamics

Education

Master’s degree in Robotics, Controls, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics

Tools

ROS

Job description

Overview

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.

Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

About The Team

The Local Planner Controller team builds optimization-based planning and control software for GM’s Super Cruise system. The team formulates and solves online optimization problems that balance kinematic feasibility, collision avoidance, and ride comfort, and plays a central role in delivering safe, comfortable vehicle behavior through the Local Planner Controller and related guardrails systems.

The Role

We are looking for a Robotics Controls Engineer to join GM’s Local Planner Controller team. In this role, you will work on challenging problems in trajectory optimization, vehicle dynamics, estimation, and closed-loop controls that support Super Cruise and other advanced driver assistance capabilities.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and deliver vehicle dynamics, planning, and controls software that supports safe and comfortable behavior in GM’s Super Cruise system.
• Implement, test, and refine optimization and control algorithms for trajectory tracking, constraint handling, and motion execution under real-world vehicle and environment limits.
• Partner with more senior engineers to break down ambiguous technical problems, evaluate tradeoffs, and translate algorithmic ideas into robust production-quality software.
• Contribute to technical reviews, code reviews, validation efforts, and day-to-day engineering execution using strong software engineering best practices.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams across perception, prediction, localization, systems, safety, simulation, and evaluation to integrate solutions and debug end-to-end behavior.
• Improve software reliability and development velocity through testing, tooling, continuous integration, and thoughtful iteration on team processes.
• Contribute to GM engineering culture through clear communication, collaboration, ownership, and a strong learning mindset.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant experience, or PhD, in Robotics, Controls, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Strong foundation in optimal control, trajectory optimization, motion planning, or numerical optimization.
• Strong understanding of classical and modern feedback control theory and techniques.
• Solid understanding of vehicle dynamics, robotics dynamics, or related physical system modeling.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python for research or production software development.
• Demonstrated ability to translate algorithms into reliable software in a collaborative engineering environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across disciplines.
• Passion for autonomous driving, robotics, or advanced driver assistance technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry or research experience in robotics, autonomous vehicles, ADAS, or safety-critical systems.
• Experience with model predictive control, constrained optimization, or trajectory generation for real-world robotic systems.
• Familiarity with ROS or similar robotics middleware.
• Experience developing or validating software for embedded or real-time control systems.
• Experience working with simulation, closed-loop evaluation, or system-level performance analysis.
• Exposure to estimation, prediction, or planning/control interfaces in autonomous systems.

Compensation

The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws. The compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of the California Bay Area.

• The salary range for this role is $138,200-$211,700. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
• Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.

Benefits

• GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.