Tech Specialist, Planning & Control, Dream Drive

Lucid Motors; Newark (CA); On-site; USD 179,000 - 263,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life and disability coverage

Paid time off

Paid holidays & sick leave

401(k) retirement plan

Equity program

Discretionary annual cash incentive

Job summary

Lucid Motors in Newark, CA seeks a Technical Specialist for Motion Planning and Controls Engineering to design and deploy high-performance planning and control for ADAS and autonomous systems. Onsite role, collaborating across software, hardware, and systems teams to ensure robust deployment.

The position requires 8+ years in robotics/ADAS with strong MATLAB/Simulink, LQR and MPC expertise, plus C++, Python and ROS experience. Join a fast-paced team shaping the future of mobility.

Qualifications

• PhD or MS in Automotive, Aerospace, Mechanical Eng or related field.
• 8+ years in simulation, robotics, or autonomous systems with ADAS/AD.
• Deep knowledge of control design and real-time implementation (LQR, MPC).
• Experience deploying lateral and longitudinal controllers in production or research vehicles.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink.
• Solid understanding of ADAS/AD systems and vehicle dynamics.
• Strong communication and collaboration in fast-paced teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, test, and deploy motion planning and control algorithms for ADAS and autonomous driving systems.
• Implement trajectory planning, route planning, and real-time control.
• Develop and tune controllers (LQR, MPC, PID, Adaptive, Robust) for lateral and longitudinal dynamics.
• Conduct model-based design and validation using MATLAB/Simulink or equivalents.
• Participate in full development cycle from simulation to in-vehicle release.
• Collaborate with systems, validation, perception, and platform teams for integration.
• Contribute to architectural decisions, safety assessments, and product scalability.

Skills

Autonomous systems

Robotics

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Real-time decision making

Education

PhD in Automotive/Aerospace/Mechanical Eng

MS in Automotive/Mechanical Eng

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

C++

Python

ROS

AUTOSAR

Job description

About Lucid

At Lucid, we are creating exceptional mobility experiences through innovation to drive the world forward. Built on Lucid’s proprietary technology and software-defined vehicle architecture, our award-winning vehicles bring our “Compromise Nothing™” approach to the global automotive market. That means refusing to choose between performance and sustainability, design and engineering, ambition and integrity. In Lucid Air and Lucid Gravity, we have designed and built vehicles that have redefined their segments, combining exceptional range, performance, design, and expansive space in a single experience.

We achieve this through deep vertical integration, with design, engineering, and productionhappening in-houseacross our global offices andmanufacturingfacilities. Our teamscomefromindustriesaround the world, united by a shared commitment to excellence. By refusing to settle, youcanhelpredefinewhat’spossible andshape the future of mobility.

We are seeking a Technical Specialist - Motion Planning and Controls Engineer, Autonomous Driving to design, develop, and deploy industry-leading planning and control algorithms for next-generation driver assistance and autonomous systems.

This position is based in Newark, CA and requires onsite presence five days a week.

The Role

As a Tech Specialist Motion Planning and Controls Engineer, you will play a key role in developing high-performance motion planning and control features for Lucid’s ADAS and autonomous driving systems. You’ll work across software, hardware, and systems teams to ensure robust design, testing, and deployment of production-grade lateral and longitudinal control algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, test, and deploy motion planning and control algorithms for ADAS and autonomous driving systems.
• Implement state-of-the-art approaches to trajectory planning, route planning, and real-time control.
• Develop and tune classical and modern controllers (e.g., LQR, MPC, PID, Adaptive, Robust) for both lateral and longitudinal vehicle dynamics.
• Conduct model-based design and validation using MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent tools.
• Participate in the full development cycle, from simulation and SIL/HIL testing to in-vehicle implementation and release.
• Collaborate closely with systems, validation, perception, and platform teams to ensure safe and seamless software integration.
• Contribute to architectural decisions, safety assessments, and product scalability.

Required Qualifications

• Phd/MS in Automotive, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in simulation, robotics, or autonomous systems, with significant time spent on ADAS/AD domain.
• Deep knowledge of control system design and real-time implementation using modern control approaches (e.g., LQR, MPC).
• Proven experience deploying lateral and longitudinal controllers in a production or research vehicle environment.
• Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink).
• Solid understanding of ADAS/AD systems, robotics, and vehicle dynamics.
• Strong communication skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, and MATLAB.
• Experience with middleware frameworks like ROS.
• Familiarity with AUTOSAR and embedded software development practices.
• Experience in bench testing, SIL/HIL integration, and scenario-based simulation.
• Knowledge of safety standards and automotive system regulations (e.g., ISO 26262).
• Experience in agile development environments, version control (e.g., Git), static code analysis and CI/CD for large-scale automated regression testing.

At Lucid, we don’t just welcome diversity - we celebrate it! Lucid Motors is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, and any other characteristic protected under applicable State or Federal laws and regulations.

Salary Range

Base Pay Range (Annual)

$179,400 — $263,120 USD

Compensation & Benefits

• Including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability coverage
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays, paid sick leave
• And a401(k) retirementplan
• Eligible employees may also participate in Lucid’s equity program and/or a discretionary annual cash incentive program.
• Incentive and equity awards, if applicable, are determined based on individual performance, role scope, market considerations, and overall company results, in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Equal Opportunity

At Lucid, we believe diversity strengthens everything we build. Lucid Motors is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive workplace for all. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal laws and regulations.

Accessibility

Lucid Motors is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need any accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at TA-Operations <@> lucidmotors.com. This email address is designated solely for accommodation requests and is not monitored for job applications or resume submissions. To be considered for employment, all applications must be submitted through the Lucid Motors Careers website.

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