Software Engineer, Autonomous Vehicles (Motion Planning)
Job Summary
We are seeking versatile engineers to contribute to the development of core components of the Helm.ai autonomous stack. Prior experience in autonomous vehicles is not required; instead, we prioritize deep expertise in backend systems and a proven track record in high-impact software engineering.
About the Role
As a senior engineer, you will design, implement, and test safe, efficient, and reliable vehicle software/hardware systems. You will collaborate with sensor and compute vendors, partner with Helm.ai’s AI teams, and work with customers to advance highway and urban autonomous driving capabilities.
Responsibilities
Architect core behavior planning: Own the logic and decision frameworks that guide the vehicle through complex maneuvers (like unprotected turns, dynamic merges, and yielding).
Optimize trajectories: Develop robust trajectory generation systems that perfectly balance safety, passenger comfort, and vehicle progress.
Sure verifiable safety: Translate complex traffic rules and operational design domain (ODD) constraints into interpretable, highly safe planning behaviors.
Solve the long-tail: Tackle exciting, real-world edge cases, from unpredictable pedestrians and occlusions to complex construction zones.
Drive cross-functional integration: Collaborate closely to seamlessly connect your planner with perception, prediction, localization, and control modules.
Test and validate: Prove out your solutions through rigorous scenario-based simulations, closed-course trials, and live on-road testing.
Optimize for real-time: Deliver robust, highly deterministic performance tailored for embedded automotive hardware.
Requirements
MS/PhD in robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent industry experience.
Strong proficiency in C++ for robust, real-time systems, paired with Python for tooling and data analysis.
Deep understanding of planning algorithms (search, sampling, and optimization-based) and complex decision architectures (like FSMs and behavior trees).
A solid grasp of vehicle kinematics and dynamics to ensure safe, smooth, and realistic motion profiles.
Hands-on experience with ROS/ROS2 or comparable autonomous middleware.
Qualifications
Experience shipping a planner on public roads and analyzing real-world disengagement data is a plus.
Hands-on experience with tools like CARLA or custom in-house scenario frameworks is a plus.
Benefits
Competitive health insurance options.
401K plan management.
Remote-friendly and flexible team culture.
Free lunch and fully-stocked kitchen in our South Bay office.
Monthly wellness stipend.
Office setup allowance.
Company retreats.
Pay
Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
Schedule
Full-time position with flexible working hours.