Senior Robotics Planning Engineer

ATOMS Careers page; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 176,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

401(k)

Sick Time and Paid Holidays

Team lunch in SoMa office

Job summary

Pronto AI in San Francisco is seeking a Robotics Planning Engineer to develop high‑level autonomy systems coordinating fleets of autonomous haul trucks in mining environments. You will work on path planning, multi‑vehicle coordination, and dispatch systems that operate at the site level.

You will design motion planning algorithms for non‑holonomic vehicles, build multi‑agent coordination systems, and optimize for real‑time performance in production deployments, collaborating with controls

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, or related field.
• 7+ years of professional software development experience.
• Strong foundation in motion planning algorithms.
• Experience with computational geometry (collision detection, polygon operations).
• Proficiency in Python and NumPy for numerical computing.
• Understanding of vehicle kinematics and nonholonomic constraints.
• Ability to analyze algorithm complexity and optimize for real-time performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop high‑level autonomy systems coordinating fleets of autonomous haul trucks.
• Work on path planning, multi‑vehicle coordination, and site‑level dispatch systems.
• Design and implement motion planning algorithms for non‑holonomic vehicles.
• Develop multi‑agent coordination systems to prevent deadlocks and collisions.
• Build simulation and visualization tools for validating planning algorithms.
• Optimize planning algorithms for real‑time performance in production environments.
• Collaborate with controls engineers to ensure planned paths are executable.
• Debug fleet‑level issues using logged data and replay tools.
• Travel to customer sites up to 5%.

Skills

Motion planning algorithms

Computational geometry

Python

NumPy

Vehicle kinematics

Algorithm complexity analysis

C++

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

GEOS

Shapely

Redis

ZeroMQ

Job description

Who we are

Pronto AI is a global leader in commercializing autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, deploying Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS) that automate operations in mines, quarries, and construction sites worldwide. While much of the industry remains in R&D, we deliver real, production‑ready autonomy that is already operating in the field. We are on a mission to make mining operations safer, smarter, and more efficient through cutting‑edge technology, and we are building toward becoming the world’s first profitable AV technology company.

What you’ll do

We’re looking for a Robotics Planning Engineer to develop the high‑level autonomy systems that coordinate fleets of autonomous haul trucks in mining environments. You’ll work on path planning, multi‑vehicle coordination, and dispatch systems that operate at the site level — deciding where trucks go, when they go, and how they interact with each other.

• Motion planning: A robust stack, from path planning to trajectory optimization, to generate smooth and safe trajectories for 200+ ton trucks to follow.
• Coordination planning: Systems to simultaneously coordinate the motion of multiple vehicles with intersecting trajectories to avoid collision and maximize throughput.
• Fleet planning: Algorithms that dynamically translate the site‑wide state, like loading and dumping locations, to actively managed assignments for each truck.
• Design and implement motion planning algorithms for non‑holonomic vehicles.
• Develop multi‑agent coordination systems that prevent deadlocks and collisions.
• Build simulation and visualization tools for validating planning algorithms.
• Optimize planning algorithms for real‑time performance in production environments.
• Collaborate with controls engineers to ensure planned paths are executable.
• Debug fleet‑level issues using logged data and replay tools.
• Travel note: This role requires periodic travel to customer sites (up to 5%).
• Schedule note: Some schedule flexibility may be required during deployments.

What we’re looking for

• BS/MS/PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, or related field required.
• 7+ years of professional (non‑internship) software development experience.
• Strong foundation in motion planning algorithms.
• Experience with computational geometry (collision detection, polygon operations).
• Proficiency in Python and NumPy for numerical computing.
• Understanding of vehicle kinematics and nonholonomic constraints.
• Ability to analyze algorithm complexity and optimize for real‑time performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multi‑agent coordination or scheduling algorithms.
• Familiarity with Dubins/Reeds‑Shepp curves for non‑holonomic planning.
• Background in trajectory optimization (DCBF, MPC‑based planners).
• Experience with graph algorithms (Dijkstra, heuristic search).
• Knowledge of GEOS, Shapely or other computational geometry libraries.
• Experience with fleet management or dispatch systems.
• Familiarity with Redis, ZeroMQ, or similar infrastructure.
• Familiarity with modern ML techniques for planning problems.

Technical Environment

• Languages: Python (primary), C++ (performance‑critical modules).
• Work on real, production‑deployed autonomy.
• Build technology that directly improves safety, efficiency, and productivity.
• Tackle complex challenges in demanding, real‑world environments.
• Be part of a fast‑moving team with high ownership and impact.
• See your work deployed and making a difference in the field.
• Collaborate closely with experienced engineers and industry operators.

Location and Compensation

This role is based in our San Francisco office location. The base salary range is $176,000 - $240,000 per year. Actual compensation will be determined individually and may vary depending on experience, skills, and qualifications. You may also be eligible for equity awards and an annual performance‑based bonus.

Benefits Summary (USA Full‑Time Exempt Employees)

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account options.
• 401(k).
• Equity.
• Sick Time, Unlimited Flexible Time Off, and Paid Holidays.
• Team lunch in our SoMa office every Tuesday and Thursday.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law. As a government contractor subject to the VEVRAA, we request self‑identification information to measure the effectiveness of recruitment efforts. Voluntary disclosure of disability or veteran status is accepted, and all information is kept confidential.