Staff Software Engineer - Behaviors (Robotics)

TL;DR

Staff Software Engineer (Robotics): Designing and developing planning, prediction, and decision-making systems for autonomous trucks with an accent on motion planning algorithms and simulation validation. Focus on building production-quality C++ software, optimizing trajectory generation, and ensuring system safety through SiL/HiL/ViL environments.

Location: Must be based in the United States. Remote (US) or onsite in Ann Arbor, MI; Blacksburg, VA; or Fort Worth, TX.

Salary: $186,200 - $223,400 USD

Company

A leader in autonomous driving since 2007 and part of the Daimler family, Torc focuses on developing software for automated trucks to transform global freight movement.

What you will do

• Design and maintain core planning and prediction systems, including trajectory generation and motion planning algorithms.
• Evaluate and implement optimization-based, learning-based, and hybrid planning architectures.
• Own the full software lifecycle from architecture design and C++ implementation to vehicle integration and deployment.
• Drive simulation-based validation across SiL, HiL, and ViL environments to ensure robust performance.
• Partner with Safety, Controls, and Perception teams to develop fallback strategies and minimum-risk maneuvers.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers while influencing the long-term architectural roadmap.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (10+ years exp), Master's (7+ years exp), or PhD (5+ years exp) in CS, Robotics, or a related technical field.
• Expert-level proficiency in modern C++ within Linux-based environments.
• Demonstrated experience delivering robotics, autonomous vehicle, or ADAS software into production.
• Deep expertise in designing motion planning, behavior planning, or decision-making systems.
• Must be based in the US; relocation may be provided as part of the compensation package.

Nice to have

• Experience with Model Predictive Control (MPC) or numerical optimization techniques.
• Application of imitation learning or reinforcement learning within autonomy systems.
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, state estimation, and trajectory tracking.
• Proficiency in Python for development and integration.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including bonus and stock options.
• 100% paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for full-time employees.
• 401K plan with a 6% employer match.
• Flexibility in schedule and generous paid vacation available immediately.
• AD+D and Life Insurance.