Motional

Senior Motion Planning Engineer

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), 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 2+ years of robotics experience, preferably in the AV industry. A minimum of 5 years of research experience in robotics/motion planning with a proven track record and 3+ years of C++ software development experience are required, emphasizing high-performance and reliable systems. Prior experience leading complex technical development from problem formulation to production deployment is essential, along with a strong drive for innovation in autonomous driving technology. Experience with probabilistic models, Bayesian modeling, and the Bazel build framework is appreciated.

Responsibilities

The Senior Motion Planning Engineer will lead research and development of novel motion planning algorithms for autonomous driving, including advanced search-based, geometry-based, and decision-making under uncertainty methods with a focus on probabilistic approaches. They will architect and integrate motion planning and prediction algorithms, driving their evaluation and refinement for real-world deployment. Responsibilities include designing and building a robust, scalable, high-performance codebase for rapid prototyping and evaluation of motion planning approaches. The role involves driving technical collaboration with upstream and downstream system components to ensure end-to-end performance. Additionally, the engineer will mentor junior team members and foster a culture of technical excellence and product-focused engineering.

Skills

Robotics
Software Development
Algorithm Development
Motion Planning
Autonomous Vehicles
Search-based methods
Geometry-based methods
Decision making under uncertainty
Probabilistic approaches
Prediction algorithms
Trajectory optimization
Tracking
Control
C++
Research

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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