Senior Motion Planning Engineer

About the role

Motional is seeking a Senior Motion Planning Engineer to drive the next generation of autonomous vehicle navigation capabilities in this critical role. The successful candidate will own the design, implementation, and validation of core motion planning algorithms that define how our vehicles move through dynamic and unstructured environments. You will be responsible for ensuring that the vehicle's motion is not only safe and comfortable but also efficient and predictable in real-world traffic scenarios. This position requires a deep understanding of robotics fundamentals and the ability to translate theoretical concepts into robust software components that operate within strict automotive constraints. You will work at the intersection of perception, control, and high-level routing to create a cohesive driving policy. The role demands rigorous analytical thinking, strong system-level thinking, and a commitment to safety-critical development practices. You will play a key part in advancing Motional's technology stack and contributing to the reliability of our autonomous systems.

About the role

The Senior Motion Planning Engineer position at Motional is centered on advancing autonomous vehicle technology through the design and implementation of navigation algorithms. This role is pivotal in developing the systems that allow our cars to traverse complex environments safely and efficiently. You will be entrusted with the responsibility of transforming theoretical robotics concepts into reliable software modules that function within the stringent parameters of automotive applications. Success in this role requires a comprehensive understanding of the entire autonomous stack, from perception inputs to control outputs. You will act as a central figure in harmonizing the planning logic with other critical system components, ensuring the vehicle can make intelligent, real-time decisions. The position necessitates a meticulous approach to safety and a proactive mindset in solving complex engineering challenges inherent in self-driving technology.

What you'll do

• Architect and evolve sophisticated motion planning algorithms tailored for autonomous driving applications, focusing on safety, efficiency, and real-time performance.
• Partner closely with perception and control engineering teams to align planning interfaces and ensure seamless integration across the autonomous vehicle stack.
• Design and execute comprehensive simulation campaigns and on-road test plans to evaluate planning robustness, validating performance in both standard and edge-case scenarios.
• Profile and optimize computational performance to meet stringent real-time deadlines on embedded vehicle hardware platforms, ensuring efficient resource utilization.
• Lead technical investigations into planning failures, driving iterative improvements to system stability, reliability, and overall robustness.
• Contribute to the definition of system requirements and technical specifications for motion planning subsystems, influencing the architectural direction of the product.
• Mentor junior engineers by providing detailed code reviews, technical guidance, and constructive feedback on algorithm design and implementation.
• Stay current with advances in motion planning research and evaluate new techniques for potential adoption and integration into production systems.
• Collaborate with product and safety teams to balance performance metrics, risk mitigation, and operational design domain considerations in all planning logic.
• Document technical decisions, algorithms, and interfaces comprehensively to support long-term maintainability, knowledge sharing, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

• Hold an Advanced degree in Robotics, Computer Science, or a closely related engineering discipline, demonstrating a strong theoretical foundation.
• Demonstrate professional experience in autonomous vehicle motion planning or a similar robotics domain with a proven track record of delivering complex systems.
• Show strong proficiency in both C++ and Python, with a demonstrated ability to develop high-performance, reliable code for critical applications.
• Bring direct experience with path planning, trajectory optimization, or behavioral decision-making methods, backed by practical implementation examples.
• Exhibit a solid understanding of vehicle dynamics and how planning algorithms interact with physical constraints and limitations.
• Possess experience with version control, debugging tools, and software development best practices essential for maintaining large-scale systems.
• Demonstrate the ability to write clean, modular, and well-documented code that adheres to the rigorous standards of safety-critical systems.
• Show commitment to following requirements, standards, and processes inherent in automotive development cycles, including V-model and ISO 26262 considerations.
• Exhibit strong problem-solving skills and the capacity to analyze complex systems to identify root causes and develop effective solutions.
• Communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment, fostering collaboration and shared understanding among engineering disciplines.

Requirements

Candidates must possess an advanced academic qualification in a relevant engineering field, such as Robotics, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of autonomous navigation. Professional experience is a critical requirement, with applicants needing to demonstrate a history of working on autonomous vehicle motion planning or equivalent robotics roles. A strong technical foundation is mandatory, with expert-level skills in the C++ and Python programming languages being non-negotiable for success in this position. Applicants must have hands-on experience with core motion planning disciplines, including path planning, trajectory optimization, or behavioral decision-making frameworks. A deep comprehension of vehicle dynamics is necessary to ensure that algorithms are practical and executable within real-world physical limits. Familiarity with software development lifecycle tools and methodologies is essential for integrating effectively into the engineering team. The ability to produce clean, documented, and safety-conscious code is paramount. Finally, a dedication to adhering to industry standards and automotive development processes is crucial for contributing to a safety-critical environment.

Skills & tools

• C++
• Python
• Robotics algorithms
• Motion planning frameworks
• Simulation software

Practical notes

All applications must be submitted through the official Motional careers portal. Motional does not accept applications via third-party recruiters or email.