Robotics Engineer III - Motion Planning

ArcBest; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

ArcBest is looking for a Robotics Engineer III to advance motion planning architectures for fleet AMR navigation. You will design scalable planners, integrate with perception and real-time control, and advance multi-agent coordination.

Strong leadership and a solid robotics research background are essential for success. The role emphasizes high-performance optimization, AI-driven decision models, and deployment across industrial environments, with opportunities to mentor junior engineers and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in robotics, engineering, CS or related field is required.
• PhD in robotics/engineering/CS or related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Architect scalable motion planning frameworks for fleet deployments.
• Develop AI-driven motion planning (reinforcement learning, imitation learning, deep MPC).
• Implement real-time model predictive planners using CasADi, ACADOS, and solvers.
• Design fail-safe planning strategies including autonomous re-routing and recovery-based primitives.
• Optimize energy-efficient, high-speed trajectories for AMRs.
• Lead cross-functional collaborations and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Motion planning

Hybrid A*

RRT*

ILQR

AI planning

CasADi

ACADOS

C++/Python

ROS2

Multi-agent planning

Reinforcement learning

Real-time control

Leadership

Education

Master's Degree in Robotics

PhD in Robotics (preferred)

Tools

CasADi

ACADOS

Python/C++

Job description

Job Description

The Robotics Engineer III - Motion Planning leads the development, optimization, and large-scale deployment of motion planning architectures for fleet-wide AMR navigation. This position focuses on high-performance optimization, AI-driven behavioral planning, fail-safe recovery strategies, and large-scale robotic coordination. The Robotics Engineer III - Motion Planning designs and refines graph search, optimization-based planners, and reinforcement learning-based motion strategies while ensuring seamless integration with perception and real-time control.

Responsibilities

• Architect scalable motion planning frameworks for fleet-level AMR deployments.
• Develop and refine AI-driven motion planning (reinforcement learning, imitation learning, deep MPC).
• Implement real-time model predictive planners using CasADi, ACADOS, and convex/non-convex solvers.
• Design and implement advanced fail-safe motion planning strategies, including autonomous re-routing, recovery-based motion primitives, and redundant planning checks.
• Enhance multi-agent coordination strategies for large-scale robotic path planning and collision avoidance.
• Decompose complex behaviors into modular, reusable tree structures.
• Integrate graph-based, hierarchical, and predictive planning models for decision-making.
• Deploy AI-based planning models (e.g., learning-based cost functions, uncertainty-aware planners).
• Conduct large-scale simulation and on-robot validation to assess real-time system performance.
• Optimize cost-aware, energy-efficient, and high-speed trajectory planning for AMRs.
• Ensure robust software development, CI/CD implementation, and fault-tolerant motion control strategies.
• Lead cross-functional collaborations and mentor junior engineers in robotics motion planning.
• Other duties and projects, as assigned.

Requirements

Education:

• Master's Degree in Robotics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field, required
• PhD in Robotics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field, preferred

Experience:

• 1 year as a Robotics Engineer II - Motion Planning or equivalent experience, preferred
• 4 years of experience in robotics motion planning, AI-driven decision models, or multi-agent autonomy.

Computer Skills:

• Expertise in motion planning algorithms (Hybrid A*, RRT*, ILQR, AI-driven planning). Upon Hire, required
• Experience with CasADi, ACADOS, convex/non-convex optimization solvers. Upon Hire, required
• Advanced proficiency in C++/Python, ROS2, and high-performance robotic software development. Upon Hire, required
• Strong foundation in multi-agent fleet planning, reinforcement learning-based decision-making, and real-time control. Upon Hire, required

Additional Requirements:

• Proven leadership in large-scale robotic motion planning. Upon Hire, required
• Strong research background with experience in industry robotics advancements. Upon Hire, required
• Experience deploying robotic systems in real-world industrial or logistics environments. Upon Hire, preferred
• Experience designing Behavior Trees (BTs) for high-level decision-making in autonomous systems. Upon Hire, preferred
• Understanding of perception integration for planning in dynamic environments. Upon Hire, required
• Strong mathematical foundation in optimization, graph theory, and control systems. Upon Hire, required

Competencies:

• Active Learning
• C++
• Communicating Complex Concepts
• Disruptive Innovation
• Linux
• Programming
• Robotics/Computer Controlled Machinery
• Troubleshooting Technical Problems

Other Details

Work Hours:

• Generally, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm with occasional irregular hours depending on workload.

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional (25%-50%) Potential testing and data collection at customer sites.

Compensation:

• This is a salary position paid biweekly.

About Us

ArcBest (Nasdaq: ARCB) is a multibillion-dollar integrated logistics company that helps keep the global supply chain moving. Founded in 1923 and now with 14,000 employees across 250 campuses and service centers, the company is a logistics powerhouse, using its technology, expertise and scale to connect shippers with the solutions they need — from ground, air and ocean transportation to fully managed supply chains. ArcBest has a long history of innovation that is enriched by deep customer relationships. With a commitment to helping customers navigate supply chain challenges now and in the future, the company continues to invest in purpose-built technology such as ArcBest View, its digital logistics platform that brings quoting, booking, shipment visibility and reporting into one connected experience.