Senior Planning Engineer (Autonomy)

AeroVect; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVect, located in San Francisco, California, is searching for a Senior Planning Engineer passionate about autonomous driving solutions for logistics. This role includes hands-on improvements to the planning module and leading a team in developing robust autonomous systems.

The ideal candidate will hold a degree in a relevant field, possess strong C++ skills, and have experience with ROS. Join a dynamic team eager to shape the future of airport operations with state-of-the-art technology.

Qualifications

• Prior background in development of planning modules for autonomous systems.
• Strong theoretical knowledge of trajectory generation and behavior planning.
• Experience with field testing autonomous systems.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement hands-on improvements to the core planner module.
• Lead a team of engineers for reliable autonomous driving development.
• Collaborate with vehicle engineering for system integration.

Skills

Strong C++ programming

Algorithmic problem solving

Experience in ROS

Strong reasoning skills

Collaboration and communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Computer Science, Math, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Physics, or related field

Tools

Robot Operating System (ROS)

Linux Operating System

Job description

At AeroVect, we provide autonomous driving solutions to some of the busiest airports and logistics hubs in the world. Backed by top‑tier investors, AeroVect is shaping the future of structured autonomy, beginning with self‑driving tow tractors.

If you have a passion for applying autonomous driving technologies to impact the flow of goods for millions of people, we want to talk to you!

Job Description

We are looking for a Senior Planning Engineer who knows how to bring world‑class planner system design to autonomous driving systems in structured, low‑speed environments.

In this role, you’ll own, revise, and scale a core planning module at a fast‑paced, early‑stage startup. Leveraging your experience building production‑grade planners, you’ll propel the AeroVect Drive to handle various driving scenarios, achieving category‑defining vehicle autonomy for the airport operational design domain.

Your scope will include leading the system design and implementation of key improvements to the current AeroVect planner, including the global mission planner, behavior planner, and motion planner.

The generalist engineer will be part of the core autonomy team responsible for system requirements and validation of autonomous driving capabilities across various areas of the autonomy stack. Key responsibilities include designing, implementing, testing, and documenting robotics systems and features in C/C++ on desktop and embedded platforms.

The opportunity offers a technical, hands‑on team leader the chance to help develop a market‑defining enterprise product that combines autonomous vehicle technology with a robotics‑as‑a‑service (RaaS) business model. This role reports directly to our co‑founders and works closely with the autonomy engineering team.

What You’ll Do

Define, implement, and own hands‑on improvements to upgrade the core planner module, targeting milestones, growing the team, and working with internal/external partners — expect to spend 80% of your time performing hands‑on development, with the remaining 20% leading the planning module roadmap, including directing schedule, removing obstacles, and coaching the team to hit aggressive milestones.

Lead a team of engineers bringing up all components necessary for reliable autonomous driving in the airside environment, including vehicle corridors and the apron.

Design, implement, test, and support all aspects of ground vehicle autonomy, including planning, prediction, perception, localization, controls, and infrastructure subsystems.

Qualify all subsystems using objective measures, with an eye to functional safety and systems engineering best practices.

Collaborate with vehicle engineering to create an integrated system, including sensor/compute selection and integration.

Understand and keep up‑to‑date with state of the art.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Prior background (academic or industrial) in development of planning modules for autonomous systems.

Strong theoretical knowledge of one or more areas of planning: trajectory generation, behavior planning.

Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree candidate in Computer Science, Math, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Physics, or related field.

Strong C++ (preferred) or Python programming and algorithmic problem solving skills.

Working experience in a Linux based Operating System.

Experience using the Robot Operating System (ROS) framework and tools like Rviz, rqt, tf, etc.

Strong reasoning skills and mathematics background including linear algebra, geometry, calculus, optimization, and probability to name a few.

Solid engineering background with hands‑on design and development experience.

Experience with field testing autonomous systems.

Highly collaborative nature and exceptional communicator.

Desired Qualifications

MS or PhD in Computer Science, Math, Robotics or a related field.

In‑Depth understanding of DDS frameworks like ROS/ROS2 or other networking middleware.

Proven track record of system development and successful deployment of unmanned systems in existing or upcoming products.

Mastery of Modern C++ (14 and beyond) and safety critical coding practices (MISRA and ISO 26262 compliance).

2+ years of focused industry experience on planning for robotic ground vehicles.

Additional Information

AeroVect is a technology company that applies the latest advances in autonomous driving systems to create today the airports and logistics centers of the future. We work with airports around the world to bring self‑driving tow tractors to life.

Our experienced team of engineers and aerospace industry specialists from Harvard and MIT have collectively spent decades developing cutting‑edge autonomy and aerospace technologies. Founded on the principles of safety, efficiency, and reliability, our mission is to create the airport of the future today, making logistics work for millions of people while having lots of fun on the way. Read more on our website at www.aerovect.com.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We’re committed to growing and empowering a more inclusive community within our company, industry, and cities. That’s why we hire and cultivate diverse teams of the best and brightest from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that true innovation happens when everyone has room at the table and the tools, resources, and opportunity to excel.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.