Staff Motion Planning Engineer - Trajectory Generation

Motional; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor seeks a senior robotics software engineer with deep expertise in C++ and real-time embedded systems to lead complex MPC-driven motion planning initiatives. You will design, justify, and drive long-term roadmaps, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to align architectural decisions.

The role requires 5+ years of production-grade C++ experience, advanced degrees preferred, and a track record of scaling large technical projects in robotics or automotive domains.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of production-grade C++ software development.
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Robotics, CS, CE, EE, or related field.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale technical initiatives.
• Deep MPC, motion planning, planning under uncertainty, vehicle dynamics/control, and real-time closed-loop simulation experience.
• Strong mathematical background in nonlinear and numerical optimization.
• Experience deploying and scaling numerical optimization solvers in real-time embedded environments.
• Python knowledge is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Define, justify, and navigate complex system trade-offs and highly technical concepts.
• Lead architectural co-design and alignment with adjacent teams.
• Author high-impact project proposals that anchor long-term technical roadmaps.
• Cultivate the technical growth of senior and junior team members.

Skills

C++ Software Development

Model Predictive Control (MPC)

Numerical Optimization Algorithms

Real-Time Embedded Environments

Technical Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

PhD Degree

Tools

Python

Job description

Responsibilities

• Define, justify, and navigate complex system trade-offs and highly technical concepts
• Lead architectural co-design and alignment with adjacent teams
• Author high-impact project proposals that anchor long-term technical roadmaps
• Cultivate the technical growth of senior and junior team members

Requirements

• 5+ years (or equivalent expert level) of production-grade C++ software development
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree preferred in Robotics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• A distinct track record of defining, scaling, and leading large-scale technical development initiatives
• Deep, domain-expert experience with Model Predictive Control (MPC), motion planning architectures, planning under uncertainty, vehicle dynamics/control, and closed-loop simulation environments.
• Thorough mathematical understanding of non-linear and numerical optimization algorithms
• Extensive experience deploying, customizing, and scaling numerical optimization solvers within real-time embedded environments
• Strong knowledge of Python is considered a bonus

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in C++ software development and a deep understanding of Model Predictive Control, motion planning architectures, and numerical optimization algorithms. Proven ability to lead technical initiatives and cultivate team growth in complex system environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• C++ Software Development
• Model Predictive Control (MPC)
• Numerical Optimization Algorithms
• Real-Time Embedded Environments
• Technical Leadership

Hard Skills

• C++
• Model Predictive Control
• Numerical Optimization
• Motion Planning
• Vehicle Dynamics
• Closed-Loop Simulation
• Python

Soft Skills

• Technical Growth Cultivation
• Architectural Co-Design

Certifications & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree
• PhD Degree

Industry Keywords

• Robotics
• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering