General Motors

Staff Software Engineer - AMR Planning & Controls

General Motors$138K — $165K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in robotics, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
  • At least five years of experience in motion planning, controls, or autonomy for real-world robotics systems or autonomous vehicles.
  • Experience with numerical optimization techniques, such as nonlinear constrained optimization and model predictive control.
  • Strong programming skills in C++ and Python.
  • Proven ability to develop computationally efficient software that meets real-time performance requirements.
  • Solid understanding of robotics systems, including localization, mapping, planning, and control.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design, implementation, and deployment of motion planning, behavioral planning, and control algorithms for autonomous robotic systems.
  • Develop path-planning and trajectory-generation algorithms subject to kinematic and dynamic constraints, enabling safe and efficient operation in dynamic environments.
  • Optimize planning and control software for real-time performance and hardware limitations.
  • Collaborate with localization, perception, and hardware teams to ensure seamless integration across the robotics software stack.
  • Use offline and simulation-based tools to evaluate, benchmark, and validate planning and control algorithms.
  • Contribute to testing and validation workflows, including software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and field testing.
  • Provide technical leadership, mentor team members, and help define software architecture and engineering best practices for planning and control.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
  • Collaborative work environment with interdisciplinary teams.
  • Mentorship opportunities for career growth.
  • Innovative projects shaping future technologies.
Full Job Description

Job Description

The Robotics Software team is building the next generation of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and intelligent robotic platforms. We develop full-stack capabilities—from perception and planning to control and system integration—to deliver innovative solutions that shape the future of work.

We’re seeking a highly skilled Senior or Staff Robotics Planning and Control Engineer to provide technical leadership in developing advanced robotics systems. You’ll design, implement, and integrate algorithms for behavioral planning, path planning, and motion control.

This role spans the full software development lifecycle and involves close collaboration with hardware, localization, and perception teams. Beyond algorithm development, you’ll help shape a robust autonomy stack and build tools for evaluation, validation, and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Do
  • Lead the design, implementation, and deployment of motion planning, behavioral planning, and control algorithms for autonomous robotic systems.

  • Develop path-planning and trajectory-generation algorithms subject to kinematic and dynamic constraints, enabling safe and efficient operation in dynamic environments.

  • Optimize planning and control software for real-time performance and hardware limitations.

  • Collaborate with localization, perception, and hardware teams to ensure seamless integration across the robotics software stack.

  • Use offline and simulation-based tools to evaluate, benchmark, and validate planning and control algorithms.

  • Contribute to testing and validation workflows, including software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and field testing.

  • Provide technical leadership, mentor team members, and help define software architecture and engineering best practices for planning and control.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in robotics, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.

  • At least five years of experience in motion planning, controls, or autonomy for real-world robotics systems or autonomous vehicles.

  • Experience with numerical optimization techniques, such as nonlinear constrained optimization and model predictive control, or advanced robotics algorithms.

  • Strong programming skills in C++ and Python.

  • Proven ability to develop computationally efficient software that meets real-time performance requirements.

  • Solid understanding of robotics systems, including localization, mapping, planning, and control.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience designing and implementing robotic or vehicle systems.

  • Knowledge of ROS/ROS 2 and navigation frameworks such as Navigation2.

  • Experience with simulation frameworks, HIL testing, and CI/CD pipelines.

  • Understanding of safety-critical software development practices.

  • Background in autonomous vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), or industrial automation.

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.

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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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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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