Mission Summary:
We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join the Planning, Motion, and Controls Team to develop and maintain simulation and analysis tools that allow for faster development of the autonomy stack behavior and for automated root cause analysis. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is looking to make a significant impact in the development and improvement of autonomous driving technology. If you are a self-motivated individual with a strong background in software development and a passion for creating advanced tools, we encourage you to apply for this role.
What you'll be doing:
- Core Tech Stack: C++ (for native tool development and high-performance bindings with the autonomous driving stack), Python (for scripting and backend tooling). Design and develop efficient and user-friendly tools to support development of autonomy technology
- Parameter Overrides & Local Reruns: Developing local or cloud-based execution runners that allow engineers to modify config files/parameters (e.g., cost weights, distance thresholds, safety margins) and codebase and rerun the autonomy stack against a recorded log to observe behavioral changes instantly.
- Behavior Step-Through & Re-Simulation: Building GUI debuggers and web-based or native 2D/3D visualizers that ingest logged perception, prediction, and planning frames, letting developers pause, step forward/backward frame-by-frame, and inspect decision logic.
- Collaborate with the planning and controls engineers to understand their requirements of simulation and analysis tools
- Continuously improve and optimize the simulation and analysis tools to enhance their performance and functionality
- Contribute to the success of the Motional autonomous driving technology by actively listening to the pain points of the Autonomy engineers and developing robust solutions
What we're looking for:
- Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in Software development and Testing, preferably in the automotive or gaming industry.
- Strong proficiency in programming languages such as C++, with a focus on building high-performance and resilient systems.
- Comfortable navigating and contributing to large, complex codebases where modularity and documentation are key.
- Passionate about a driverless future and understand the high stakes of deploying software that interacts with the physical world.
Bonus points (not required):
- Experience with game engine development
- Experience with planning and control systems
- Experience with performance optimization with high throughput data
- Experience with Qt development
We encourage a hybrid schedule with in-office time at one of our locations in Boston, Pittsburgh, or Las Vegas to support collaboration, or this role can be fully remote
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 or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field
- At least 5 years of software development and testing experience
- Strong proficiency in C++ for high-performance and resilient systems
- Ability to navigate and contribute to large, complex codebases with modularity and documentation
- Experience with game engine development
- Experience with planning and control systems
- Experience optimizing performance with high-throughput data
- Experience with Qt development
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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