Software Engineer - Trajectory Optimization

Overland AI; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

Healthcare, dental, vision plans

Flexible PTO

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Overland AI, based in Seattle, seeks a Software Engineer – Trajectory Optimization to design planning algorithms for autonomous ground vehicles using local sensing. You will balance fidelity, optimality, and computation to achieve robust high‑speed movement in tough terrain, with experience in model predictive control and system identification.

The role emphasizes integrating planning software across a shared codebase, advanced robotics platforms, and rigorous field testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS, engineering, or related discipline and 5+ years of relevant experience; OR 3+ years with an advanced degree.
• Production-grade software development experience in Python or C++.
• MS/PhD preferred; motion planning experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement local trajectory optimization algorithms for autonomous ground vehicles.
• Support rapid integration and adjustment of planning algorithms for various vehicles and sensing modalities.
• Collaborate with teams on a shared codebase and contribute to software development.
• Utilize driving data for regression and progression testing to improve performance.
• Participate in field tests and product demonstrations.

Skills

Python

C++

Software development

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering

MS or PhD preferred

Job description

About Overland AI

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Overland AI is transforming land operations for modern defense. The company leverages over a decade of advanced research in robotics and machine learning, as well as a field-test forward ethos, to deliver combined capabilities for unit commanders. Our OverDrive autonomy stack enables ground vehicles to navigate and operate off‑road in any terrain without GPS or direct operator control. Our intuitive OverWatch C2 interface provides commanders with precise coordination capabilities essential for mission success. Overland AI has secured funding from prominent defense tech investors including 8VC and Point 72, and built trusted partnerships with DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight‑figure contracts across the Department of Defense, we are strengthening national security by iterating closely with end users engaged in tactical operations.

Role Summary

We are seeking a Software Engineer – Trajectory Optimization to design and implement planning algorithms in complex off‑road and on‑road terrain using local sensing for unmanned ground vehicles. These systems must perform in punishing terrain: understanding how to balance fidelity and optimality against computational efficiency and robustness is a must for high‑speed movement. The ideal candidate has experience with model predictive control, system identification, and a deep intuition for how physical platforms interact with the world when tires meet dirt.

In this role, you will:

• Design and implement local trajectory optimization algorithms for autonomous ground vehicles.
• Support rapid integration and adjustment of planning algorithms for a wide variety of vehicles and sensing modalities.
• Work closely with other teams on software development of a shared codebase.
• Leverage a significant corpus of offroad driving data to improve and backstop performance via regression and progression testing.
• Participate in field tests and demonstrations / events for product testing and evaluation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related discipline and 5+ years of relevant experience; OR 3+ years of relevant professional experience with an advanced degree.
• Development experience developing production grade software in Python or C++.

Desired Experience & Qualifications

• MS degree or PhD preferred.
• Experience as a software engineer working on motion planning.
• Experience working with safety critical systems and certification.
• Experience working with autonomous robotic systems (e.g. UAVs, UWVs) – UGVs preferred.
• Experience with / understanding of the differences between GPU and CPU programming paradigms.

Location

This location for this position will be onsite in Seattle, WA

Benefits

Pay range:

Software Engineer: $160,000 - $190,000 annually

Senior Software Engineer: $200,000 - $230,000 annually

Actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Overland AI believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day.

• Equity compensation
• Best-in-class healthcare, dental, and vision plans
• Flexible PTO
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid parental leave

Equal Opportunity Employer

Overland AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Export Control

This position may involve access to export‑controlled technology. Employment is contingent on the ability to comply with U.S. export control laws.

Accommodation and Accessibility

Overland AI provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans during the application process. Please contact [e-mail] to request an accommodation.