Staff Software Engineer - AMR Planning & Controls

Description
The Robotics Software team is developing the next generation of autonomous robotic systems, focusing on autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and intelligent robotic platforms. We develop full-stack robotics capabilities-from perception and planning to control and system integration-bringing innovative, real-world autonomous solutions to the future of the work.
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior or Staff Robotics Planning and Control Engineer to serve as a tech lead in developing cutting-edge robotics solutions. In this role, you will design, implement, and integrate software and algorithms for behavioral planning, path planning, and motion control. This role spans the full development lifecycle and involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including hardware, localization, and perception. Beyond core development, you will also help shape a robust autonomy software stack and create tools for evaluation, validation and continuous improvement.
What You'll Do

• Lead the design, implementation, and deployment of motion planning, behavioral planning, and control algorithms for autonomous robotic systems.

• Develop algorithms for path planning and trajectory generation under kinematic/dynamic constraints, ensuring safe and efficient operation in dynamic environments.

• Optimize planning and control software for real-time performance and hardware constraints.

• Collaborate with localization, perception, and hardware teams to ensure seamless integration into the robotics software stack.

• Use offline and simulation-based tools to evaluate, benchmark, and validate planning and control algorithms.

• Contribute to testing and validation workflows, including simulation (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and field testing.

• Provide technical leadership, mentor team members, and help define architecture and best practices for planning and control.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

• 5+ years of experience in motion planning, controls, or autonomy for real-world robotics or autonomous vehicles.

• Skilled in numerical optimization techniques (e.g., nonlinear constrained optimization, model predictive control) or advanced robotics algorithms.

• Strong programming skills in C++ and Python.

• Proven ability to produce computationally efficient software that meets real-time requirements.

• Solid understanding of robotics systems, including localization, mapping, planning, and control.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Hands-on experience in robotic or vehicle system design and implementation.

• Knowledge of ROS/ROS2 and navigation frameworks (e.g., Navigation2).

• Experience with simulation frameworks, HIL testing, and CI/CD pipelines.

• Understanding of safety-critical software development practices.

• Background in autonomous vehicles (AV), ADAS, or industrial automation.

Hybrid: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to the MTV office three times per week, at minimum.
Compensation: The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws. The compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of New York, Colorado, California, or Washington.

• The salary range for this role is 195,000 and 240,000 from Pay Transparency Posting Salary Ranges). The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
• Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.

Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.
Relocation: This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.
#LI-CX1
This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.
This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.
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