Staff Motion Planning Engineer – Trajectory Generation

Motional

Staff Motion Planning Engineer driving innovative research and solutions for autonomous vehicle behaviors. Leading design processes and implementation of performance-critical algorithms at Motional.

Posted 7/13/2026full-timeBoston • Massachusetts • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $205,000 - $272,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in architecting advanced motion planning and trajectory optimization solutions, with a strong foundation in C++ software development and mathematical optimization techniques. Proven ability to lead technical initiatives and establish code quality standards in a collaborative environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

C++ Software DevelopmentMotion Planning ArchitecturesModel Predictive Control (MPC)Numerical Optimization AlgorithmsPython for Simulation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

C++Motion PlanningTrajectory OptimizationModel Predictive Control (MPC)Numerical OptimizationReal-Time EnvironmentsMathematical OptimizationVehicle DynamicsClosed-Loop SimulationSoftware Architecture

Soft Skills

Technical OwnershipLeadershipCollaborationCode ReviewCommunication

Tools & Technologies

Development ToolchainsSimulation EnvironmentsNumerical Optimization Solvers

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's DegreeMaster's DegreePhD Degree

Industry Keywords

RoboticsComputer ScienceComputer EngineeringElectrical Engineering

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Architect State-of-the-Art Solutions for motion planning and trajectory optimization algorithms
Own the design of scalable software that impacts on-road performance
Establish code quality benchmarks and lead architectural code/design reviews
Define modern development toolchains for rapid development cycles

Requirements

What you’ll need

5+ years of production-grade C++ software development experience
Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree preferred in Robotics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
Proven technical ownership with a track record of defining, scaling, and leading large-scale technical development initiatives
Deep experience with Model Predictive Control (MPC), motion planning architectures, vehicle dynamics/control, and closed-loop simulation environments
Mathematical understanding of non-linear and numerical optimization algorithms
Experience deploying and customizing numerical optimization solvers in real-time environments
Strong knowledge of Python for simulation and rapid prototyping is considered a bonus

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical
Dental
Vision
401k with a company match
Health saving accounts
Life insurance
Pet insurance