We are looking for versatile engineers to shape core components of the next generation of the Helm.ai autonomous stack. No prior experience in autonomous vehicles is required-we prioritize deep expertise in backend systems and a proven track record in high-impact software engineering. In this senior role, you will design, implement, and test safe, efficient, and reliable vehicle software/hardware systems, 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. You will: - 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. - Ensure 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. You have: - MS/PhD in robotics, Computer science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent industry experience. - Solid C++ for robust, real-time systems, paired with Python for tooling and data analysis. - Deep familiarity with both 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. The following are not required but a plus: - Experience shipping a planner on public roads and analyzing real-world disengagement data. - Hands-on experience with tools like CARLA or custom in-house scenario frameworks. We offer: - Competitive health insurance options - 401K plan management - Remote-friendly and flexible team culture - Free lunch and fully-stocked kitchen in our South Bay office - Additional perks: monthly wellness stipend, office set up allowance, company retreats, and more to come as we scale - The opportunity to work on one of the most interesting, impactful problems of the decade