Motional

Principal Motion Planning Engineer

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Not SpecifiedCompensation
Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Autonomous Vehicles, RoboticsIndustries

Requirements

Candidates should have a PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or a Master's degree with 7+ years of experience in robotics, preferably in the AV industry. A minimum of 10 years of research experience in robotics/motion planning with a proven track record and 5+ years of C++ software development for high-performance systems are required. Prior experience leading complex technical development from formulation to production deployment is essential, along with a strong drive for innovation and a thirst for knowledge in autonomous driving technology.

Responsibilities

The Principal Motion Planning Engineer will lead research and development of novel motion planning algorithms for autonomous driving to expand the Operational Design Domain, focusing on advanced search-based, geometry-based, and probabilistic methods. Responsibilities include leading cross-functional projects, defining interfaces, monitoring system performance, architecting and integrating motion planning and prediction algorithms, and designing a robust, scalable codebase for rapid prototyping and evaluation. The role also involves driving technical collaboration with upstream and downstream components, teaching software best practices, and mentoring team members to foster technical excellence and product-focused development.

Skills

Motion Planning
Control Systems
Algorithm Development
Robotics
Software Development
Autonomous Driving
Probabilistic Approaches
Search-based Methods
Geometry-based Methods
Decision Making Under Uncertainty
System Performance Monitoring
Software Architecture
Scalable Codebase
High-performance Code
Trajectory Optimization
Tracking
Control

Motional

Develops fully driverless robotaxis for urban transport

About Motional

Motional develops fully driverless vehicles, specifically robotaxis, aimed at transforming urban transportation. Their all-electric robotaxis are designed to navigate complex city environments safely and efficiently. Motional partners with ride-hailing and delivery services, providing them with advanced autonomous vehicle technology to enhance their operations and reduce costs. A unique aspect of Motional's service is its Command Center, which allows for real-time tracking of each robotaxi, enabling human agents to monitor performance and ensure passenger safety. Unlike many competitors, Motional focuses on integrating its vehicles into existing mobility networks, making driverless technology accessible and reliable. The company's goal is to make autonomous vehicles a safe and integral part of urban transportation.

Boston, MassachusettsHeadquarters
2020Year Founded
$5,000MTotal Funding
GROWTH_EQUITY_NON_VCCompany Stage
Robotics & Automation, Automotive & TransportationIndustries
1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

401K: 401K with up to 7.5% match
time Off: Unlimited sick and vacation days
Transportation: Commuter and fitness benefits
Healthcare: 3 plan options to support diverse needs
IVF: Fertility assistance

Risks

Motional laid off 550 employees, indicating financial and operational challenges.
Aptiv reduced its stake in Motional, impacting operational capabilities.
Delays in autonomous vehicle deployment to 2026 could hinder market entry plans.

Differentiation

Motional offers a state-of-the-art Command Center for real-time robotaxi tracking.
The company focuses on all-electric, driverless robotaxis for urban environments.
Motional partners with ride-hailing services to integrate autonomous vehicles into their operations.

Upsides

Motional raised $475 million from Hyundai, indicating strong financial backing.
Partnerships with Uber and Shake Shack expand Motional's market reach in delivery services.
Increased investment in robotics highlights potential funding opportunities for Motional.

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