Principal Engineer, Team Lead- Motion Planning

Tech Lead Manager, Planning

On our Planning team, you'll apply your passion in robotics and software development for production-ready autonomous vehicles. As the Technical Lead Manager, you will direct a team tasked with the design and implementation of motion planning software for autonomous vehicles. This position requires leadership in defining the motion planning and control systems that enable our fleet to operate securely, effectively, and with passenger comfort in intricate settings.

As a leader, you will drive the development of cutting-edge motion planning algorithms, collaborate with cross-functional teams (Localization, Perception, Prediction, Controls, ML Products, and Systems Engineering), and mentor a talented group of engineers to deliver state-of-the-art solutions. If you are passionate about autonomous driving, thrive on solving challenging real-world problems, and are eager to make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving field, we want to hear from you.

• Lead and develop a team within the motion planning organization, assuming responsibility for planning algorithm and constraint generation.
• Collaborate with other leaders to provide technical direction, making critical decisions on architectural strategies, strategic resource allocation, operational execution, and technical debt management.
• Deliver a robust and scalable planner, prioritizing safety throughout the design, prototyping, testing, deployment, and production phases.
• Adopt a metrics-driven approach to the development and enhancement of technical components.
• Advance existing planning methodologies to facilitate data-driven strategies.
• Promote diversity and inclusion in both products and personnel.
• Mentor and offer constructive feedback (technical and professional) to team members, cultivating an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Demonstrate initiative in generating innovative ideas, formulating a team vision, and considering the holistic robotaxi system.
• Implement and review algorithms and code, applying rigorous engineering methodologies.
• Partner with project managers to develop roadmaps and execute plans according to schedule.

• Over two years of experience in the management of a development team, with a demonstrated ability to foster career growth, mentor team members effectively, and enhance productivity.
• Masters or PhD in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Established history of successfully delivering production-quality motion planner in a leadership capacity.
• Advanced proficiency in search algorithms.
• Experience in developing motion planning solutions with ML
• Expertise in C++ software development, Linux, and Python, with supplementary knowledge of SQL.
• Strong theoretical understanding and practical experience in motion planning under conditions of uncertainty, as well as in interactions with dynamic agents and environments.
• Knowledge of robotics algorithms in localization, perception, prediction, motion planning, and control systems for autonomous vehicles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and management skills.

• Experience in Autonomous Vehicles or other robotics industries
• Experience using simulation tools
• Experience with Verification & Validation for safety critical systems

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors including but are not limited to specific skills, experience and expertise, role location, certifications, licenses, and business needs. The estimated compensation range listed in this job posting reflects base salary only. This role may include additional forms of compensation such as a bonus or company equity.

The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.

Candidates for certain positions are eligible to participate in Motional’s benefits program. Motional’s benefits include but are not limited to medical, dental, vision, 401k with a company match, health saving accounts, life insurance,…