Software Engineering Manager / Motion Planning

Kelly Services; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

Paid time off

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Kelly Services is seeking an experienced engineering leader in the Greater Boston area to oversee a team focused on robotic autonomy and intelligent motion systems. This full-time role blends people management, technical strategy, and hands-on development to build safe, reliable robotics software for demanding industrial environments.

You'll shape engineering culture, define technical direction, and implement scalable processes that translate ambitious product goals into tangible outcomes, while

Qualifications

• 5+ years building software for robotics or autonomous systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a robotics software team.
• Shape technical strategy and architectural direction.
• Design and review software for robotic autonomy and motion systems.
• Coordinate with product and leadership across functions.
• Drive cross-functional execution and strategic planning.

Skills

C++

Python

Team leadership

Software leadership

Communication

Robotics software

Mentoring

Project delivery

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science/Robotics/Engineering

Tools

ROS

Simulation environments

Job description

$150000 - $200000

An emerging robotics company in the Greater Boston area is looking for an experienced engineering leader to oversee a team focused on robotic autonomy and intelligent motion systems. This full-time leadership position combines people management, technical strategy, and hands‑on involvement in the development of software that enables robots to operate safely and effectively in demanding industrial environments. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys building high-performing teams while remaining closely connected to complex technical challenges.

Unlike a traditional engineering management role, this position sits at the heart of a rapidly evolving robotics organization where leadership extends beyond project oversight. You'll help define technical direction, shape engineering culture, and create the processes that allow a robotics team to scale successfully. The company is seeking a manager who can balance long-term planning with day-to-day execution, empower engineers to do their best work, and translate ambitious product goals into tangible engineering outcomes.

Required Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of experience developing software for robotics, autonomous systems, or related fields
• 2+ years leading and managing engineering teams
• Strong software development background with expertise in C++ and Python
• Demonstrated success mentoring engineers and supporting career growth
• Experience driving technical initiatives from concept through deployment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work across engineering, product, and leadership teams
• Experience managing priorities, project delivery, and team performance in a fast‑paced environment
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Robotics, Engineering, or a related discipline

Desired Skills & Experience

• Familiarity with robotic motion generation, controls, or autonomous navigation systems
• Experience with robotics middleware such as ROS
• Knowledge of simulation environments and virtual testing platforms
• Understanding of optimization, planning, or decision‑making algorithms used in robotics
• Experience scaling engineering organizations through periods of rapid growth
• Passion for emerging automation and robotics technologies

What You Will Be Doing Tech Breakdown

• 35% Engineering Leadership & Team Development
• 25% Technical Strategy & Architecture
• 20% Robotics Software Design
• 20% Cross‑Functional Planning & Execution

Daily Responsibilities

• 40% Team Leadership & Coaching
• 30% Technical Reviews & Problem Solving
• 20% Organizational Collaboration
• 10% Strategic Planning

The Offer Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis now and in the future.

Motion Recruitment Partners (MRP) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants must be currently authorized to work on a full‑time basis in the country for which they are applying, and no sponsorship is currently available. Employment is subject to the successful completion of a pre‑employment screening. Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required under MRP’s Employment Accommodation policy. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.