We are seeking a highly skilled and autonomous Senior Robotics Engineer to play a critical role in investigating and diagnosing complex autonomous vehicle (AV) behaviors across on-road, resimulation, and synthetic simulation environments. This engineer will be responsible for taking end-to-end ownership of ambiguous problem spaces, utilizing Python, custom Spaceship tooling, and data visualization platforms to effectively perform root-cause analysis on emergent behaviors across our autonomy stack. Their work will directly contribute to accelerating the development of safe and reliable autonomous technologies by transforming deep technical debugging into clear summaries that support unified release narratives and executive insights.
What You'll Be Doing- System Diagnosis & Root Cause Analysis: Perform deep technical investigations of undesirable AV behaviors across simulation, HIL, and on-road operations. Take end-to-end ownership of complex investigations, driving solutions autonomously from initial triage to final resolution with little to no oversight.
- Cross-Subsystem Debugging: Debug behaviors across perception, prediction, localization, planning, controls, and vehicle systems. Reason across subsystem boundaries to diagnose emergent behaviors resulting from component interactions.
- Data Analysis & Tooling: Analyze large datasets from system logs, telemetry, and software outputs using Python. Develop automated diagnostic workflows and custom internal tooling using Python and Spaceship to increase the speed and scale of investigations.
- Performance Visualization: Design and build interactive dashboards using Python frameworks and Business Intelligence tools (e.g., Looker) to effectively measure, analyze, and report on the performance of our AV systems.
- Hypothesis Generation: Develop technical hypotheses from incomplete or ambiguous evidence, distinguish behavioral symptoms from underlying root causes, and design analyses to systematically test potential causes.
- Problem Space Identification: Autonomously identify recurring undesirable behaviors, regressions, and emerging system-level performance issues, categorizing them into meaningful failure modes.
- Technical Storytelling & Synthesis: "Dive deep" into technical complexities to uncover root causes, then step back to synthesize findings. Translate raw performance metrics into clear summaries that support executive-level reporting, unified release narratives, and cross-functional communication.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Computer Science, Electrical, Systems, Robotics) or equivalent work experience, with a Master's degree considered a strong plus.
- Robotics Experience: 5+ years of professional software or systems engineering experience working on safety-critical, complex systems such as Autonomous Vehicles, Robotics, Medical Devices, or Aerospace. Thorough understanding of robotics systems including sensors, actuators, and software autonomy stacks.
- Data & Analytics Expertise: Strong proficiency in Python for data analysis and scripting, backed by a strong understanding of modern software development principles. Experience building data visualizations using Python frameworks, with a willingness to learn Business Intelligence tools (e.g., Looker).
- Systems Thinking & Quality: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for complex system performance evaluation. Ability to think logically, remove bias, perform root cause analysis using system logs, and maintain a strict commitment to data quality and rigorous testing.
- Engineering Workflows: Proficient with Git and standard version control workflows, and entirely comfortable working in a fast-paced, agile, continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) environment.
- Autonomy & Communication: Proven ability to work both independently and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. Excellent communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex technical findings into clear summaries that support cross-functional teams and executive leadership.
- Experience using AV-specific software diagnostic and visualization tools (e.g., Planner Analyzer) to troubleshoot complex autonomy behaviors.
- Knowledge of statistical analysis and machine learning techniques relevant to performance evaluation.
- Core Diagnosis & RCA: Effective execution of deep technical investigations that accurately isolate the underlying root causes of complex, cross-subsystem AV behaviors and translate them into actionable engineering resolutions.
- Diagnostic Automation: Successful implementation of robust, automated diagnostic workflows that significantly reduce the time required to triage and resolve anomalous AV behaviors.
- Technical Synthesis & Insights: Consistent delivery of accurate, high-impact data visualizations and clear summaries that directly accelerate AV development and system maturity.
This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact at Motional by enhancing our diagnostic capabilities, improving system reliability, and accelerating development speed for our industry-leading autonomous vehicle ecosystem. We take pride in having some of the brightest and most dedicated talent in the world on our team. If you're innovative, driven, and eager to tackle challenges, we'd love to have you join us!
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors including but not limited to specific skills, experience and expertise, role location, certifications, licenses, and business needs. The estimated compensation range listed in this job posting reflects base salary only. This role may include additional forms of compensation such as a bonus or company equity. The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.
Candidates for certain positions are eligible to participate in Motional’s benefits program. Motional’s benefits include but are not limited to medical, dental, vision, 401k with a company match, health saving accounts, life insurance, pet insurance, and more.
Motional is a driverless technology company making autonomous vehicles a safe, reliable, and accessible reality. We’re driven by something more.
Our journey is always people first.
We aren't just developing driverless cars; we're creating safer roadways, more equitable transportation options, and making our communities better places to live, work, and connect. Our team is made up of engineers, researchers, innovators, dreamers and doers, who are creating a technology with the potential to transform the way we move.
Higher purpose, greater impact.
We’re creating first-of-its-kind technology that will transform transportation. To do so successfully, we must design for everyone in our cities and on our roads. We believe in building a great place to work through a progressive, global culture that is diverse, inclusive, and ensures people feel valued at every level of the organization. Diversity helps us to see the world differently; it’s not only good for our business, it’s the right thing to do.
Scale up, not starting up.
Our team is behind some of the industry's largest leaps forward, including the first fully-autonomous cross-country drive in the U.S, the launch of the world's first robotaxi pilot, and operation of the world's longest-standing public robotaxi fleet. We’re driven to scale; we’re moving towards commercialization of our technology, and we need team members who are ready to embrace change and challenges.
Formed as a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv, Motional is fundamentally changing how people move through their lives. Headquartered in Boston, Motional has operations in the U.S and Asia. For more information, visit www.Motional.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
Motional AD Inc. is an EOE. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To comply with Federal Law, we participate in E-Verify. All newly-hired employees are queried through this electronic system established by the DHS and the SSA to verify their identity and employment eligibility.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Robotics, or equivalent work experience
- At least 5 years of professional software or systems engineering experience
- Experience working on safety-critical, complex systems such as autonomous vehicles, robotics, medical devices, or aerospace
- Thorough understanding of robotics systems, including sensors, actuators, and software autonomy stacks
- Strong proficiency in Python for data analysis and scripting
- Experience building data visualizations using Python frameworks
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for complex system performance evaluation
- Experience performing root-cause analysis using system logs and maintaining rigorous data quality and testing standards
- Proficiency with Git and standard version control workflows
- Experience working in agile and CI/CD environments
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively on multidisciplinary teams
- Excellent communication skills and ability to synthesize complex technical findings
- Master’s degree
- Experience with AV-specific diagnostic and visualization tools such as Planner Analyzer
- Knowledge of statistical analysis and machine learning techniques for performance evaluation
- Experience with Business Intelligence tools such as Looker
Motional Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Motional and has not been reviewed or approved by Motional.
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Healthcare Strength — Multiple medical plan options (HDHP and PPO) with dental and vision, plus complimentary mental‑health counseling through Modern Health and 24/7 EAP support, point to comprehensive coverage administered via Aetna. Health choices are generally characterized as solid and comparable to larger tech peers, with typical plan tradeoffs.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Flexible PTO, paid holidays, and a company‑wide shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s indicate generous time‑off policies. The ability to work outside one’s home country for up to 60 days per year adds flexibility, though practical use can depend on team norms.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with company matching alongside employer‑paid life, AD&D, and disability coverage provides strong baseline financial security. Additional protections and conveniences such as identity‑theft coverage and commuter/travel support complement the core retirement benefit.
Motional Insights
What We Do
Our team is commercializing a world-class driverless system. The Motional team is behind some of the industry’s largest leaps forward in the last decade, including the first fully-autonomous cross-country drive in the U.S, the launch of the world’s first robotaxi pilot, and operation of the world’s most-established public robotaxi fleet. Strategically formed by Hyundai Motor Group, one of the world’s largest vehicle manufacturers offering smart mobility solutions, and Aptiv, a global technology leader in advanced safety, electrification, and vehicle connectivity, Motional is fundamentally changing how people move through their lives.
Why Work With Us
Our leadership team has been working in this industry for decades and includes renown early innovators in driverless technology. We are creating a future where transportation is safe, reliable, and accessible. Join our team in revolutionizing the industry that will change how the world moves.
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