Staff Motion Planning Engineer
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for autonomous vehicle technology experts has skyrocketed, with over 50% of major automotive companies investing heavily in driverless tech. As a result, skilled motion planning engineers are in high demand. Motional's commitment to making autonomous vehicles a safe reality sets them apart. With a strong focus on innovation and community impact, this role offers a chance to be at the forefront of transportation technology. Before applying, candidates should be prepared to showcase their expertise in robotics, software development, and a passion for transforming the way we move.
Job Description
About the Role
As a Staff Motion Planning Engineer at Motional, you will be part of a cutting-edge team that is pushing the boundaries of autonomous vehicle technology. Your day-to-day work will involve developing and implementing novel algorithms for motion planning, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration, and driving technical excellence within the organization. The role requires a deep understanding of robotics, software development, and a passion for innovative problem-solving.The motion planning team is critical to Motional's mission, as it enables the development of safe, reliable, and accessible autonomous vehicles. As a senior member of this team, you will have the opportunity to lead and mentor junior engineers, contribute to the development of the company's technology stack, and collaborate with other teams to drive business outcomes.
Motional's commitment to autonomous vehicle technology is evident in its cutting-edge research and development efforts. The company's focus on making autonomous vehicles a reality is driven by its mission to create safer roadways, more equitable transportation options, and to make communities better places to live, work, and connect.
What You Will Do
- Lead the research and development of novel algorithms for motion planning in autonomous driving
- Architect and integrate complex combinations of motion planning and prediction algorithms
- Design and build a robust, scalable, and high-performance codebase for motion planning approaches and algorithms
- Drive technical collaboration with perception and prediction components upstream and trajectory optimization, tracking, and control components downstream
- Leverage software development and research expertise to teach others better software practices and principles
- Guide and mentor junior team members to cultivate a culture of product-focused engineering, rigorous research, and advanced development
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of motion planning technology
- Develop and maintain technical documentation for motion planning algorithms and software
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in autonomous vehicle technology
- Participate in code reviews and contribute to the improvement of the company's technology stack
- Develop and implement testing and validation procedures for motion planning algorithms
What We Are Looking For
- PhD preferred in Robotics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- 5+ years of research experience in robotics/motion planning with a proven track record of contributing to state-of-the-art solutions
- 3+ years of C++ software development experience with an emphasis on developing high-performance and reliable systems
- Experience owning and leading technical development on complex features from problem formulation through research, implementation, and deployment in a production environment
- Strong understanding of probabilistic models, including Gaussian mixture models, Hidden Markov Models, and Particle Filters
- Experience with Bayesian modeling and inference techniques for decision-making under uncertainty
- Experience with the Bazel build framework
- Strong software development skills, including design patterns, testing, and validation
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Nice to Have
- Experience with autonomous vehicle technology and motion planning algorithms
- Knowledge of computer vision and machine learning techniques
- Familiarity with cloud-based development environments and agile methodologies
- Experience with DevOps practices and continuous integration/continuous deployment pipelines
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technology
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
- Professional development opportunities, including training and education programs
- Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options
- Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
- Recognition and reward programs for outstanding performance
- Comprehensive health and wellness programs, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401k matching program and retirement savings options
- Paid time off and holidays
- Employee discounts and perks, including access to company products and services
How to Stand Out
- Tip: Showcase your expertise in robotics and software development by providing specific examples of projects you've worked on and the technologies you've used.
- Be prepared to explain complex technical concepts in simple terms, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Highlight your experience with probabilistic models and Bayesian modeling, as these are key skills for this role.
- Emphasize your ability to lead and mentor junior engineers, as well as drive technical excellence within the organization.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with agile methodologies and DevOps practices, and how you've applied these in previous roles.
- Research Motional's technology stack and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and goals.
- Prepare examples of how you've handled complex technical problems in the past, and how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive business outcomes
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