Motion Planning Algorithm Tech Lead

This is a senior, hands-on expert role focused on developing the core algorithms that enable an autonomous vehicle to make real-time, local driving decisions (L2++/L3 autonomy). You will be the owner and lead developer of the Local Planner component. This system is responsible for generating safe, efficient, and executable trajectories (paths) for the vehicle in real-time, considering all vehicle limits and safety rules.Responsibilities: Design & Development: Create, optimize, and implement high-performance Motion Planning algorithms for real-time trajectory generation and control.Core Algorithms: Implement and tune traditional planning approaches, including both optimization-based (like Model Predictive Control - MPC) and sampling-based planners (lattice, graph search).Cutting-Edge Research: Stay up-to-date with the state-of-the-art in planning, including Neural Network (NN)-based planning (Imitation Learning, Reinforcement Learning). Benchmark these methods and potentially participate in future porting/integration efforts.Integration & Safety: Integrate vehicle dynamics, kinematic constraints, and safety margins into the planning process.Collaboration: Partner with Perception, Prediction, and Control teams to ensure smooth trajectory execution.Ownership: Own the Motion Planning component from concept to on-road validation, including customer-facing support and validation trips.Requirements: Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience in motion planning, control, or autonomous driving algorithms.Education: M.Sc. or Ph.D. (Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or related field).Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of trajectory optimization, vehicle kinematics, and real-time control.Coding: Proficiency in C++/Python, with experience in real-time or embedded environments.Professional Attributes:Excellent problem-solving skills and a strong ownership mindset.Willingness to travel for on-site validation and customer engagement.Ability to act as a customer-facing representative for the planning component.Potential to mentor and lead in the future (not a management role today).