Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy - Behavior, Planning & Controls

About the position

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in developing next-generation autonomous systems, driving innovation in AI-driven path planning and control for our autonomous vehicles. This position offers a unique opportunity to bridge theory and practice, tackling real-world challenges in the fast-evolving field of autonomy. You will be part of a highly focused team, designing and deploying production-grade software that enables our autonomous vehicles to navigate and operate seamlessly in complex indoor and outdoor environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize motion planning and control algorithms for autonomous vehicles.
• Develop and enhance software infrastructure for vehicle simulation, performance validation, and system diagnostics.
• Architect and refine path-planning and tracking control algorithms to improve autonomy performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deploy and validate solutions in both simulated and real-world environments.
• Balance hands-on development, code reviews, and research to achieve product-driven milestones in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Integrate cutting-edge robotics research into our autonomous driving stack to enhance system capabilities.

Requirements

• MS/PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python with a deep understanding of software development best practices.
• Solid foundation in robotics principles, particularly motion planning and control systems.
• Strong background in vehicle dynamics and experience applying these principles to autonomous systems.
• Knowledge of nonlinear optimization and search-based planning techniques.
• Familiarity with ROS2 for designing, building, and operating robotic systems.
• Strong mathematical foundation, including geometry, linear algebra, and probability.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities with a proactive approach in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Strong communication and cross-team collaboration skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience implementing controllers and planners for real-time safety-critical mobile autonomous systems.
• Experience with simulation environments and developing kinematic/dynamic models for autonomous vehicles.
• Exposure to machine learning, deep learning, and physics-based foundation models.

Benefits

• Health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA and FSA (Health & Dependent Daycare), Employee Assistance Program, 1:1 Health Concierge)
• Life, Short-term and long-term disability insurance (Cyngn funds 100% of premiums)
• Company 401(k)
• Commuter Benefits
• Flexible vacation policy
• Stock options for all full-time employees
• Sabbatical leave opportunity after 5 years with the company
• Paid Parental Leave
• Daily lunches for in-office employees and fully-stocked kitchen with snacks and beverages