General Motors

Robotics Controls Engineer

General Motors$138K — $211K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree with 2+ years of experience, or PhD in a relevant field.
  • Strong foundation in optimal control, trajectory optimization, or related areas.
  • Deep understanding of feedback control theory.
  • Solid grounding in vehicle dynamics and modeling.
  • Proficient in C++ and Python for software development.
  • Ability to create reliable software collaboratively.
  • Strong communication skills for cross-disciplinary teamwork.

Responsibilities

  • Develop vehicle dynamics and controls software for the Super Cruise system.
  • Implement and refine optimization algorithms for real-world applications.
  • Collaborate with senior engineers to solve technical challenges and produce robust software.
  • Participate in technical and code reviews to enhance engineering functions.
  • Integrate solutions with cross-functional teams to ensure effective debugging.
  • Improve software reliability through testing and continuous integration.
  • Foster a positive engineering culture through communication and ownership.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellbeing programs includes medical, dental, and vision options.
  • Retirement savings plan and life insurance included.
  • Paid vacation and holidays to promote work-life balance.
  • Tuition assistance for continuing education support.
  • Employee discounts on GM vehicles.
Full Job Description
Job Description

About the Team

The Local Planner Controller team builds optimization-based planning and control software for GM's Super Cruise system. The team formulates and solves online optimization problems that balance kinematic feasibility, collision avoidance, and ride comfort, and plays a central role in delivering safe, comfortable vehicle behavior through the Local Planner Controller and related guardrails systems.

The Role

We are looking for a Robotics Controls Engineer to join GM's Local Planner Controller team. In this role, you will work on challenging problems in trajectory optimization, vehicle dynamics, estimation, and closed-loop controls that support Super Cruise and other advanced driver assistance capabilities.

What You'll Do

  • Develop and deliver vehicle dynamics, planning, and controls software that supports safe and comfortable behavior in GM's Super Cruise system.


  • Implement, test, and refine optimization and control algorithms for trajectory tracking, constraint handling, and motion execution under real-world vehicle and environment limits.


  • Partner with more senior engineers to break down ambiguous technical problems, evaluate tradeoffs, and translate algorithmic ideas into robust production-quality software.


  • Contribute to technical reviews, code reviews, validation efforts, and day-to-day engineering execution using strong software engineering best practices.


  • Work closely with cross-functional teams across perception, prediction, localization, systems, safety, simulation, and evaluation to integrate solutions and debug end-to-end behavior.


  • Improve software reliability and development velocity through testing, tooling, continuous integration, and thoughtful iteration on team processes.


  • Contribute to GM engineering culture through clear communication, collaboration, ownership, and a strong learning mindset.


Required Qualifications

  • Master's degree with 2+ years of relevant experience, or PhD, in Robotics, Controls, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.


  • Strong foundation in optimal control, trajectory optimization, motion planning, or numerical optimization.


  • Strong understanding of classical and modern feedback control theory and techniques.


  • Solid understanding of vehicle dynamics, robotics dynamics, or related physical system modeling.


  • Proficiency in C++ and Python for research or production software development.


  • Demonstrated ability to translate algorithms into reliable software in a collaborative engineering environment.


  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across disciplines.


  • Passion for autonomous driving, robotics, or advanced driver assistance technologies.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Industry or research experience in robotics, autonomous vehicles, ADAS, or safety-critical systems.


  • Experience with model predictive control, constrained optimization, or trajectory generation for real-world robotic systems.


  • Familiarity with ROS or similar robotics middleware.


  • Experience developing or validating software for embedded or real-time control systems.


  • Experience working with simulation, closed-loop evaluation, or system-level performance analysis.


  • Exposure to estimation, prediction, or planning/control interfaces in autonomous systems.


Compensation:

The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws. The compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of the California Bay Area.

  • The salary range for this role is $138,200-$211,700. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.


  • Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.


Benefits:

  • Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.


#GM-AV-1

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

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Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

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Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

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Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ

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