Senior Motion Planning Engineer - Trajectory Optimization
Job description
About the role
Torc Robotics is looking for a Senior Motion Planning Engineer to enhance our trajectory optimization efforts for autonomous trucks. This position involves working with advanced motion planning algorithms and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure safe and efficient navigation of our vehicles. Join us to contribute to the future of autonomous driving technology.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Create and refine motion planning algorithms that encompass trajectory generation, selection, and optimization for autonomous trucks.
- Implement planning solutions utilizing methods such as graph search, sampling, and convex optimization techniques.
- Ensure vehicle behavior adheres to kinematic and dynamic constraints for safety and comfort.
- Develop high-quality software using modern C++ in a Linux environment, following best practices for safety and testing.
- Engage in software architecture discussions and contribute to scalable system designs.
- Design and implement validation strategies across various testing environments, including Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop.
- Collaborate with teams focused on Safety, Controls, Perception, and Validation to enhance autonomous driving behaviors.
- Analyze vehicle behavior through simulation, troubleshoot issues, and implement software enhancements.
- Assist in vehicle integration and deployment efforts to maintain reliable performance.
- Participate in technical reviews and initiatives aimed at continuous improvement within the Behaviors organization.
- Provide mentorship to junior engineers through collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree with at least 3 years of experience; or a PhD with a minimum of 1 year of experience.
- Proficient in modern C++ programming within Linux environments.
- Experience in developing software for robotics, autonomous vehicles, or complex real-time systems.
- Strong background in motion planning, trajectory generation, and decision-making for autonomous systems.
- Good understanding of vehicle dynamics, kinematics, and planning system architecture.
- Solid foundation in linear algebra, numerical optimization, and robotics algorithms.
- Familiarity with software engineering principles and scalable development practices.
- Experience throughout the software development lifecycle, from design to operational support.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to debug complex system issues.
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities in cross-functional settings.
- Capability to work independently while contributing effectively in a collaborative environment.
Nice to have
- Experience with motion planning and optimization techniques specific to autonomous vehicles.
- Familiarity with Model Predictive Control, convex optimization, or related techniques.
- Knowledge of machine learning applications in robotics, such as reinforcement learning.
- Understanding of vehicle dynamics, controls, and trajectory tracking.
- Experience with both C++ and Python software development.
- Background in integrating machine learning models into production systems.
- Experience with simulation platforms and large-scale validation environments.
- Familiarity with robotics frameworks like ROS/ROS2 or similar.
- Exposure to high-performance computing environments, including CUDA and GPU acceleration.
- Experience with on-vehicle testing and deployment processes.
- Interest in robotics and solving complex engineering challenges.
Practical notes
This position is available for remote work within the United States and Canada, as well as in-person work at our offices in Ann Arbor, MI, Fort Worth, TX, or Blacksburg, VA.
At Torc, we prioritize the well-being of our employees and offer a competitive benefits package that includes comprehensive health coverage, a 401K plan with employer matching, flexible scheduling, and generous paid time off.
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if they do not meet every qualification listed.
Job ID: 102795
Hiring Range for Job Opening
US Pay Range: $160,800 - $193,000 USD
About the company
Torc Robotics writes the software that lets heavy trucks drive themselves on public highways. The company began in Blacksburg, Virginia, in 2005 with students from Virginia Tech and later became part of Daimler Truck. Engineering and test work now run in the United States, Canada, and Germany, with an early commercial focus on Freightliner Cascadia trucks used in U.S. freight.