Freelance Robotics Software Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Job Summary:
Torc Robotics is a leader in autonomous driving technology, focused on developing software for automated trucks. The Mission Interface Software Engineer will design and implement software that enables communication and command over self-driving trucks, ensuring safe and efficient operation in the freight industry.
Responsibilities:
• Design, implement, and optimize software that creates the interface between Autonomy and the Mission Control, Remote Assistance, Route Advisor, and On Truck Management systems to allow for mission management from planning, initiating, and updating missions to tracking progress and monitoring performance through telemetry
• Lead the development of real-time C++ software components that that enable vehicle guidance and status monitoring of the self-driving truck
• Translate system-level requirements into robust, scalable software architectures and algorithms through corresponding component level requirements and verification artifacts
• Contribute to simulation and testing frameworks for validation of algorithms under diverse operational design domains (ODDs)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (back office, perception, controls, safety) to ensure end-to-end system integration
• Mentor and guide peers through technical reviews, best practices, and hands-on collaboration
• Stay current with research in global route planning and analytical planning methods. Contribute to integration of machine learning techniques where appropriate (e.g., route-rerouting, learned cost models, behavior prediction, reinforcement learning for tactical decision making)
• Drive continuous improvement in software quality, safety, performance, and development processes
• Support safety-critical development practices aligned with automotive standards and production release requirements
• Communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering or related technical field plus demonstrates competences and technical proficiencies typically acquired through 4+ years of experience or;
• Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering or related technical field plus demonstrates competences and technical proficiencies typically acquired through 1-3+ years of experience.
• Strong C++ programming skills (C++14/17 or later) with experience in real-time, safety-critical, or high-performance applications
• Knowledge of vehicle dynamics and kinematic models (e.g., bicycle model, Ackermann steering, dynamic feasibility)
• Ability to write clean, maintainable, and testable code with an emphasis on software engineering best practices
• 5+ years experience with the architecting, design, and implementation of embedded software solutions leveraging these aspects:
• Producing scalable code in C++
• Optimizing code for speed, memory usage, etc.
• Validating the solutions by means of unit and/or systems level testing
• Creating technical documentation to communicate solutions
Preferred:
• Familiarity with fundamental AV/ADAS components and concepts.
• Experience with observability and visualization platforms (e.g., Datadog, Tableau, Foxglove) for telemetry monitoring, system performance analysis, or sensor/log data visualization
• 2–5 years of professional Python development experience doing solid, hands-on Python development, including writing production-quality code, code reviews, and working within a larger codebase
• Experience with robotic/autonomous frameworks (ROS/ROS2, Autoware, Apollo, etc.) and communication protocols like CAN and Ethernet
• Understanding of safety and software engineering standards (ISO 26262, SOTIF, ASPICE, CMMI) and validation methodologies
• Can execute testing on various test platforms: software in the loop, hardware in the loop, and vehicle testing
• Research/industry experience in robotics or autonomy.
Company:
Torc provides L4 end-to-end self-driving software for mobility, trucking, mining, and defense markets through strategic partnerships Founded in 2005, the company is headquartered in Blacksburg, USA, with a team of 501-1000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.