Planning Engineer

Foundation Robotics

• $150K — $195K *
San Francisco, CA 94112In-Person
Transportation
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Strong background in robotics, controls, or related fields (MSc or equivalent experience).
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Math, or Electrical Engineering.
  • Hands-on experience with motion planning algorithms.
  • Proficiency in ROS2, C++, Python, and middleware for robotics.
  • Solid grasp of vehicle dynamics and path-following control.
  • Experience with real-world testing on robotic platforms.
  • Knowledge of ADAS/AD systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Set direction for both short- and long-term planning architecture.
  • Design and implement algorithms for ATV navigation.
  • Integrate waypoints and obstacle avoidance into navigation systems.
  • Tune control parameters for performance on rugged terrain.
  • Develop and evaluate planning algorithms in simulation and field tests.
  • Establish real-time replanning policies for stability in varying conditions.
  • Create speed profiles while considering surface conditions and no-go zones.

Benefits

  • Market-standard benefits including health, vision, dental, and 401k.
  • Equity options available with the position.
  • Company culture emphasizes collaboration and mission-driven work.
Full Job Description
  • Set short and long term direction for planning architecture and priorities.
  • Design and implement motion planning algorithms for off-road ATV navigation.
  • Integrate waypoints, obstacle avoidance, and terrain constraints into safe, drivable paths.
  • Tune and validate control parameters for robust performance on rough, off-road terrain.
  • Design test scenarios and evaluate planning algorithms in both simulation and field environments.
  • Set real-time replanning policies and continuity rules so behavior remains stable as conditions change.
  • Generate speed profiles from curvature, visibility, slope, and surface quality; respect slow/no-go zones and grade limits.
  • Collaborate with vehicle engineering to create an integrated system, including sensor/compute selection and integration.
  • Implement state-of-the-art approaches to trajectory planning, route planning, and real-time control.

What Kind of Person We Are Looking For:

  • Strong background in robotics, controls, or related fields (MSc or equivalent experience).
  • Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree candidate in Computer Science, Math, Electrical.
  • Hands-on experience with motion planning algorithms.
  • Proficiency in ROS2, C++, Python, internal middleware, and point cloud / occupancy representations, map / cost representations.
  • Solid grasp of vehicle dynamics and path-following control.
  • Comfort with real-world testing and debugging on robotic platforms.
  • Experience integrating autonomy stacks on real robotic vehicles (not just simulation).
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a bias toward practical, field-ready solutions over theory.
  • Understanding of ADAS/AD systems and vehicle dynamics is a plus

Benefits:

  • We provide market standard benefits (health, vision, dental, 401k, and equity, etc.). Join us for the culture and the mission, not for the benefits.

Salary:

  • The annual compensation is expected to be between $150,000 - $195,000. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location
* Ladders Estimates

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