We work in close coordination with specialist teams like Perception, Motion Planning, Hardware, and Test Engineering to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for ...
We work in close coordination with specialist teams like Perception, Motion Planning, Hardware, and Test Engineering to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for ...
Mission Software Engineer, Air Vehicle Autonomy, Backend
Washington, DC · On-site
$166 - $220/hr
We work in close coordination with specialist teams like Perception, Motion Planning, Hardware, and Test Engineering to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for ...
Mission Software Engineer, Air Vehicle Autonomy, Backend
Washington, DC · On-site
$166 - $220/hr
We work in close coordination with specialist teams like Perception, Motion Planning, Hardware, and Test Engineering to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for ...
Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Maritime (R5339)
Washington, DC · On-site
$160 - $240/hr
Robust Motion Planning - Automate unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and/or unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) maneuvering through advanced motion planning and adherence to safety constraints including ...
Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Maritime (R5339)
Washington, DC · On-site
$160 - $240/hr
Robust Motion Planning - Automate unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and/or unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) maneuvering through advanced motion planning and adherence to safety constraints including ...
Robust Motion Planning - Automate unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and/or unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) maneuvering through advanced motion planning and adherence to safety constraints including ...
Robust Motion Planning - Automate unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and/or unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) maneuvering through advanced motion planning and adherence to safety constraints including ...
Staff Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Maritime (R5325) with Security Clearance
Washington, DC · On-site
This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and ...
Staff Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Maritime (R5325) with Security Clearance
Washington, DC · On-site
This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and ...
Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Maritime (R5339)
Washington, DC · On-site
$160K - $240K/yr
Robust Motion Planning - Automate unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and/or unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) maneuvering through advanced motion planning and adherence to safety constraints including ...
Quick apply
Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Maritime (R5339)
Washington, DC · On-site
$160K - $240K/yr
Robust Motion Planning - Automate unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and/or unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) maneuvering through advanced motion planning and adherence to safety constraints including ...
Robust Motion Planning - Automate unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and/or unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) maneuvering through advanced motion planning and adherence to safety constraints including ...
Quick apply
Robust Motion Planning - Automate unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and/or unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) maneuvering through advanced motion planning and adherence to safety constraints including ...
Senior Staff Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Maritime (R5363 with Security Clearance
Washington, DC · On-site
$117K - $161K/yr
This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and ...
Senior Staff Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Maritime (R5363 with Security Clearance
Washington, DC · On-site
$117K - $161K/yr
This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and ...
Senior Staff Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Maritime (R5363)
Washington, DC · On-site
$220K - $331K/yr
This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and ...
Quick apply
Senior Staff Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Maritime (R5363)
Washington, DC · On-site
$220K - $331K/yr
This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and ...
Senior Staff Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Maritime (R5363)
Washington, DC · On-site
$118K - $162K/yr
This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and ...
Senior Staff Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Maritime (R5363)
Washington, DC · On-site
$118K - $162K/yr
This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and ...
Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Maritime (R5 with Security Clearance
Washington, DC · On-site
$138K - $182K/yr
This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and ...
Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Maritime (R5 with Security Clearance
Washington, DC · On-site
$138K - $182K/yr
This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and ...
Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Maritime (R5339)
Washington, DC · On-site
$138K - $182K/yr
Robust Motion Planning - Automate unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and/or unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) maneuvering through advanced motion planning and adherence to safety constraints including ...
Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Maritime (R5339)
Washington, DC · On-site
$138K - $182K/yr
Robust Motion Planning - Automate unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and/or unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) maneuvering through advanced motion planning and adherence to safety constraints including ...
Robotics Software Engineer, Air Vehicle Autonomy
Washington, DC · On-site
$140 - $210/hr
We work in close coordination with specialist teams like Perception, Motion Planning, Hardware, and Test Engineering to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for ...
New
Robotics Software Engineer, Air Vehicle Autonomy
Washington, DC · On-site
$140 - $210/hr
We work in close coordination with specialist teams like Perception, Motion Planning, Hardware, and Test Engineering to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for ...
New
Senior Staff Engineer - Autonomous Drone Systems (Washington)
Washington, DC · On-site
$118K - $161K/yr
The ideal candidate has a strong background in robotics, motion planning, and autonomous system design, with 7-10+ years of related experience and the ability to obtain a SECRET #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Staff Engineer - Autonomous Drone Systems (Washington)
Washington, DC · On-site
$118K - $161K/yr
The ideal candidate has a strong background in robotics, motion planning, and autonomous system design, with 7-10+ years of related experience and the ability to obtain a SECRET #J-18808-Ljbffr
Staff Robotics Software Engineer, Air Vehicle Autonomy with Security Clearance
Washington, DC · On-site
$254K - $338K/yr
We work in close coordination with specialist teams like Perception, Motion Planning, Hardware, and Test Engineering to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for ...
Staff Robotics Software Engineer, Air Vehicle Autonomy with Security Clearance
Washington, DC · On-site
$254K - $338K/yr
We work in close coordination with specialist teams like Perception, Motion Planning, Hardware, and Test Engineering to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for ...
Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Behaviors (R4588) with Security Clearance
Washington, DC · On-site
$138K - $182K/yr
This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and ...
Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Behaviors (R4588) with Security Clearance
Washington, DC · On-site
$138K - $182K/yr
This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and ...
Software Engineer II, Autonomy Behaviors (R5202) with Security Clearance
Washington, DC · On-site
$110K - $150K/yr
This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and ...
Software Engineer II, Autonomy Behaviors (R5202) with Security Clearance
Washington, DC · On-site
$110K - $150K/yr
This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and ...
Staff Robotics Software Engineer, Air Vehicle Autonomy
Washington, DC · On-site
$254K - $338K/yr
We work in close coordination with specialist teams like Perception, Motion Planning, Hardware, and Test Engineering to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for ...
Staff Robotics Software Engineer, Air Vehicle Autonomy
Washington, DC · On-site
$254K - $338K/yr
We work in close coordination with specialist teams like Perception, Motion Planning, Hardware, and Test Engineering to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for ...
Software Engineer II, Autonomy Behaviors (R5202)
Washington, DC · On-site
$131K - $197K/yr
This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and ...
Quick apply
Software Engineer II, Autonomy Behaviors (R5202)
Washington, DC · On-site
$131K - $197K/yr
This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and ...
This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and ...
Quick apply
This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and ...
Motion Planning information
See Washington salary details
$22.1K - $30.2K
0% of jobs
$30.2K - $38.4K
2% of jobs
$38.4K - $46.5K
10% of jobs
$46.5K - $54.6K
7% of jobs
$60.2K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$54.6K - $62.8K
9% of jobs
$62.8K - $70.9K
11% of jobs
The median wage is $76.5K / yr.
$70.9K - $79K
17% of jobs
$79K - $87.2K
15% of jobs
$90K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$87.2K - $95.3K
14% of jobs
$95.3K - $103.4K
11% of jobs
$103.4K - $111.6K
5% of jobs
$22.1K
$75.9K
$111.6K
How much do motion planning jobs pay per year?
What is a motion planning?
A Motion Planning job involves developing algorithms that enable autonomous systems, such as robots or self-driving vehicles, to navigate safely and efficiently in their environments. Engineers in this role work on path planning, obstacle avoidance, and real-time decision-making to optimize movement. They use techniques from robotics, optimization, and artificial intelligence to ensure smooth and collision-free operation.
What are some common daily responsibilities for a motion planning engineer?
As a Motion Planning engineer, your daily responsibilities typically include designing and implementing algorithms for path planning and obstacle avoidance, running simulations to test and validate new strategies, and collaborating closely with perception, controls, and hardware teams. You may also spend time troubleshooting issues from field trials, optimizing existing motion strategies for speed and safety, and keeping documentation up to date. The work environment is often collaborative, combining both independent coding tasks and frequent team meetings to align on project goals and integration points. This blend of research, development, and real-world testing makes the role dynamic and impactful for autonomous systems projects.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the motion planning position, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Motion Planning professional, a solid background in robotics, algorithms, computer science, and applied mathematics is essential, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Proficiency with simulation tools like ROS, Python or C++ programming, and familiarity with motion planning libraries such as OMPL or MoveIt are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective communication help you excel in cross-functional engineering teams. These skills enable you to develop and optimize safe, reliable motion strategies for autonomous systems in dynamic real-world environments.
What are popular job titles related to Motion Planning jobs in Washington?
For Motion Planning jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Motion Planning jobs in Washington look for?
The top searched job categories for Motion Planning jobs in Washington are:

Full-time
Re-posted 23 days ago
Anduril rating
9.1
Anduril
Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
7.4
Manufacturers average
Based on 76,623 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
Job description
The Air Dominance & Strike team at Anduril develops aerial and multi-domain robotic systems. The team is responsible for taking products like Fury (unmanned fighter jet) and Barracuda (air-breathing cruise missile) from concept to product. The team also develops Lattice for Mission Autonomy, Anduril's premier software platform that enables masses of Fury, Barracuda, and other first and third party robots to collaborate across various missions. We work in close coordination with specialist teams like Perception, Motion Planning, Hardware, and Test Engineering to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for software engineers and roboticists excited about creating a powerful autonomy software stack that includes computer vision, motion planning, SLAM, controls, estimation, and secure communications.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Write and maintain core libraries and services that perform critical functions for collaborative teams of robots - for example, motion deconfliction and contingency management of fast mover air vehicles.
- Own major feature development and rollout of large, complex features for our products - recent examples include developing terminal-phase autonomy for various air vehicles and developing a test plan on live surrogates.
- Work closely with Anduril and 3rd party vehicle hardware teams, as well as operational subject matter experts (fighter pilots, UAV operators, etc.) to align on requirements during product development and iterate towards a final design.
- Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance
- BS in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- 10+ years experience in one or more of the following: motion planning, perception, localization, mapping, controls, and related system performance metrics.
- Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, set technical direction, and manage full project lifecycles from concept to deployment.
- Deep understanding of integrating various sensor systems and utilizing various techniques for perception and decision-making.
- Experience troubleshooting and analyzing remotely deployed software systems
- Experience working with and testing electrical and mechanical systems
- MS or PhD
- Python, Rust, and/or Go experience
- Experience programming for embedded and physical devices
- Multi-agent coordination of UAVs
- Complex frame transformation problems, such as target localization or multi degree of freedom robotic arms
Working at Anduril
About Anduril, in their own words
From Anduril
As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.
About Anduril Industries
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.
Industry
Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing
Company size
501 - 1,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Costa Mesa, CA, US
Year founded
2017