Staff Software Engineer – Motion Planning

Torc Robotics

Staff Motion Planning Engineer leading technical development for autonomous trucks. Focusing on trajectory generation and building core autonomy capabilities.

Posted 7/15/2026full-timeBlacksburg • Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $186,200 - $223,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in motion planning, trajectory generation, and optimization for autonomous vehicles, with a strong foundation in robotics algorithms and vehicle dynamics. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive architectural strategy in complex engineering environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Motion PlanningTrajectory GenerationModern C++ DevelopmentRobotics AlgorithmsTechnical Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Trajectory OptimizationBehavior PlanningVehicle DynamicsNumerical OptimizationLinear AlgebraReal-Time Software SystemsSystem Design PrinciplesTest AutomationUnit TestingPerformance Optimization

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationCollaboration SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsTroubleshooting Skills

Tools & Technologies

Linux-Based EnvironmentsVersion Control (Git)Build SystemsPackage ManagementTest Automation Frameworks

Industry Keywords

Autonomous VehiclesADASCross-Functional TeamsEngineering ExcellenceScalable System Design

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Linux

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

This role is focused on motion planning, trajectory generation, and trajectory optimization for autonomous vehicles in unstructured environments.
Provide technical leadership across teams and platforms, driving architectural strategy, engineering excellence, and scalable system design.
Lead high-impact technical initiatives, influence long-term engineering direction, and contribute directly to the design, development, validation, and deployment of planning capabilities.
Work closely with engineers and leaders across autonomy, controls, simulation, safety, and validation to help deliver safe, robust, and reliable autonomy behaviors at scale.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field with: 10+ years of industry experience OR Master's degree with 7+ years of experience OR PhD with 5+ years of experience.
Proven experience operating as a Staff, Principal, or multi-team technical leader within complex engineering organizations including experience leading large cross-functional technical initiatives across multiple engineering teams
Deep expertise developing robotics, autonomous vehicle, ADAS, or other complex real-time software systems.
Deep expertise in modern C++ development within Linux-based environments.
Diverse experience developing motion planning, trajectory generation, trajectory optimization, behavior planning, or decision-making systems for robotics or autonomous systems.
Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, vehicle kinematics, trajectory feasibility, and planning system architecture.
Strong foundation in linear algebra, numerical optimization, geometry, and robotics algorithms.
Hands-on experience with analyzing metrics to optimize performance in a resource-constrained environment.
Excellent troubleshooting skills with the ability to perform both real-time diagnostics and in-depth post-analysis.
Mastery of software engineering fundamentals, system design principles, and scalable development practices.
Experience with version control (Git), build systems, and package management.
Understanding of test automation principles and proficiency with unit testing and test automation frameworks (pytest, Robot Framework, gtest, etc.)
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to debug complex system-level issues.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills within cross-functional engineering teams.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a highly collaborative environment.

Benefits

Comp & perks

A competitive compensation package that includes a bonus component and stock options
100% paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for full-time employees
401K plan with a 6% employer match
Flexibility in schedule and generous paid vacation (available immediately after start date)
Company-wide holiday office closures
AD+D and Life Insurance