Principal Engineer, Team Lead- Motion Planning

Position Overview

On our Planning team, you'll apply your passion for robotics and software development to create production-ready autonomous vehicles. As the Technical Lead Manager, you will direct a team responsible for designing and implementing motion planning software. In this role you will define motion planning and control systems that enable our fleet to operate securely, efficiently, and with passenger comfort in complex settings. You will drive the development of cutting-edge motion planning algorithms, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and mentor a talented group of engineers to deliver state-of-the-art solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team within the motion planning organization, taking charge of planning algorithm and constraint generation.
• Collaborate with other leaders to provide technical direction on architectural strategies, resource allocation, operational execution, and technical debt management.
• Deliver a robust and scalable planner, prioritizing safety through design, prototyping, testing, deployment, and production.
• Adopt a metrics-driven approach to develop and enhance technical components.
• Advance existing planning methodologies to support data-driven strategies.
• Promote diversity and inclusion in both products and personnel.
• Mentor team members by offering constructive technical and professional feedback, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment.
• Demonstrate initiative by generating innovative ideas and formulating a cohesive team vision for the holistic robotaxi system.
• Implement and review algorithms and code using rigorous engineering methodologies.
• Partner with project managers to develop roadmaps and ensure timely execution of plans.

Required Qualifications

• Over two years of experience managing a development team with a proven track record in mentoring and enhancing team productivity.
• Master’s or PhD in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrable experience delivering production-quality motion planners in a leadership role.
• Advanced proficiency in search algorithms.
• Experience in developing motion planning solutions augmented by machine learning.
• Expertise in C++ software development, Linux, and Python, with additional knowledge of SQL.
• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of motion planning in uncertain and dynamic environments.
• Comprehensive knowledge of robotics algorithms in localization, perception, prediction, motion planning, and control systems for autonomous vehicles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Autonomous Vehicles or related robotics industries.
• Familiarity with simulation tools.
• Experience in Verification & Validation for safety-critical systems.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation Range: $212,000—$283,000 USD (base salary; additional compensation such as bonus or equity may apply).
• Eligible participation in Motional's comprehensive benefits program.
• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401k with company match, health saving accounts, life insurance, pet insurance, and more.