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Robotic Motion Planning Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Motion Planning Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$114K - $157K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pixmo, the company's robot, is designed to autonomously handle boxes for trailer unloading ... Anyware Robotics is seeking highly skilled Senior Motion Planning Engineer to join our team. In ...

Motion Planning Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130K - $182K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Developing/Implementing/Evaluating/Launching algorithms in Robotic motion planning (e.g., A*, CC ... Engineering) * Skilled in numerical optimization techniques (e.g., nonlinear constrained ...

Motion Planning Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130K - $182K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Developing/Implementing/Evaluating/Launching algorithms in Robotic motion planning (e.g., A*, CC ... Engineering) * Skilled in numerical optimization techniques (e.g., nonlinear constrained ...

Motion Planning Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130K - $182K/yr

Developing/Implementing/Evaluating/Launching algorithms in Robotic motion planning (e.g., A*, CC ... Engineering) * Skilled in numerical optimization techniques (e.g., nonlinear constrained ...

On our Motion Planning team, you'll apply your passion in robotics and software development for ... Develop a culture of product focused engineering, research, and development What we're looking for:

Mid-Senior Algorithm Engineer | Motion Planning & Decision Making Imagry is looking for a talented ... Previous experience within a multi-disciplinary R&D team in robotics or autonomous systems

Description Mid-Senior Algorithm Engineer | Motion Planning & Decision Making Imagry is looking for ... Previous experience within a multi-disciplinary R&D team in robotics or autonomous systems

Staff Motion Planning Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$168K - $225K/yr

On our Motion Planning team, you'll apply your passion in robotics and software development for ... Develop a culture of product focused engineering, research, and development What we're looking for:

Senior Robotics Motion Planning Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$114K - $157K/yr

... axis robotic platform. This role will be responsible for deploying robust path planning and ... motion profiles * Engineer fast, efficient collision-aware trajectory planning that can adapt to ...

Staff Motion Planning Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$168K - $225K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

On our Motion Planning team, you'll apply your passion in robotics and software development for ... Develop a culture of product focused engineering, research, and development What we're looking for:

Task and Motion Planning Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lunar Outpost, a trailblazer in space robotics, invites you to join our team ! Lunar Outpost is ... We are seeking a talented, experienced Task and Motion Planning Engineer As a Task and Motion ...

Task and Motion Planning Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lunar Outpost, a trailblazer in space robotics, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is ... We are seeking a talented, experienced Task and Motion Planning Engineer As a Task and Motion ...

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Robotic Motion Planning Engineer information

See salary details

$29K

$105.6K

$169K

How much do robotic motion planning engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotic motion planning engineer in the United States is $105,605.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by robotic motion planning engineers when working on real-world robot deployment?

Robotic Motion Planning Engineers often encounter challenges translating simulation results to real-world environments due to factors like sensor noise, hardware limitations, and unpredictable obstacles. Ensuring that planned paths are both efficient and safe in dynamic settings requires close collaboration with hardware engineers and field testing teams. Additionally, balancing computational efficiency and motion accuracy, especially for complex robots or crowded spaces, is a frequent hurdle. Overcoming these issues typically involves iterative tuning, robust software development, and interdisciplinary teamwork.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a robotic motion planning engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Robotic Motion Planning Engineer, you need a solid background in robotics, computer science, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with tools such as ROS (Robot Operating System), Python/C++, and simulation platforms like Gazebo, as well as experience with motion planning algorithms, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork skills set candidates apart in this field. These skills are crucial for developing reliable, efficient, and safe robotic systems that can operate in complex real-world environments.

What does a robotic motion planning engineer do?

A Robotic Motion Planning Engineer is responsible for designing algorithms that enable robots to move efficiently and safely within their environment. This involves creating paths or trajectories for robots to follow while avoiding obstacles and optimizing for speed, energy, or other factors. They use knowledge from robotics, computer science, and mathematics to develop software that allows robots to perform complex tasks autonomously. These engineers often work with sensors, simulation software, and real-world robotic systems to test and refine their motion planning solutions.

What is the difference between Robotic Motion Planning Engineer vs Robotic Software Engineer?

AspectRobotic Motion Planning EngineerRobotic Software Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping algorithms for robot path planning and navigationDesigning and implementing software for robotic systems
Required SkillsRobotics algorithms, motion planning, C++, PythonSoftware development, robotics frameworks, C++, Python
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, robotics companies, industrial automationRobotics companies, tech firms, automation industries
Common CertificationsRobotics certifications, programming certifications

Robotic Motion Planning Engineers focus on creating algorithms for robot navigation, while Robotic Software Engineers develop broader software solutions for robotic systems. Both roles require programming skills and often overlap in work environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and specialization.

More about Robotic Motion Planning Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Robotic Motion Planning Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Robotic Motion Planning Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Robotic Motion Planning Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Robotic Motion Planning Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Robotic Motion Planning Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,605 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Senior Robotics Motion Planning Engineer

Motion Recruitment

Boston, MA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Join a fast-growing, venture-backed robotics company that is redefining industrial automation through advanced robotics, AI, and precision mechatronics. Backed by experienced founders and recent institutional funding, the company is bringing next-generation robotic systems from prototype into large-scale commercial deployment.

This is an opportunity to work on one of the most technically challenging robotics platforms in the industry, developing motion planning software for complex, multi-axis robotic systems operating in dynamic, safety-critical environments. You'll work directly with hardware every day and have significant influence over both product architecture and technical direction.

The Opportunity

We're looking for a Senior Robotics Engineer – Motion Planning to become the technical leader for robotic motion planning and trajectory generation across a sophisticated multi-axis robotic platform.

This is a highly hands-on engineering role where you'll own the design and implementation of collision-aware motion planning, trajectory optimization, and robotic controls software while collaborating closely with perception, controls, systems, and mechanical engineering teams. The ideal candidate enjoys solving difficult robotics problems that move beyond simulation into reliable production hardware deployed in real-world environments.

Required Skills & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
  • 6+ years of professional robotics software development experience
  • Deep expertise in robotic motion planning and trajectory generation
  • Production experience with ROS2 and MoveIt or MoveIt 2
  • Strong understanding of sampling-based planners including RRT, RRT*, RRT-Connect, and PRM
  • Experience with trajectory optimization techniques including CHOMP, STOMP, TrajOpt, or similar frameworks
  • Expertise in forward and inverse kinematics using KDL, TRAC-IK, or equivalent libraries
  • Strong C++ and Python development skills
  • Experience implementing collision avoidance and real-time path planning
  • Experience integrating robotics software with physical hardware
  • Strong debugging skills across both software and electromechanical systems
Desired Skills & Experience
  • MS or PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
  • Experience with industrial automation or complex mechatronic systems
  • Experience with real-time robotic controls and hardware-in-the-loop testing
  • Familiarity with low-level motor control, firmware interfaces, or hardware abstraction layers
  • Experience with perception systems including LiDAR, RGB-D cameras, IMUs, SLAM, or point cloud processing
  • Experience using PCL, Open3D, OctoMap, or voxel-based planning environments
  • Knowledge of deterministic industrial planners such as Pilz Motion Planner
  • Experience deploying robotics solutions into production manufacturing or industrial environments
What You Will Be Doing
  • Lead the development of motion planning software for a complex multi-axis robotic platform
  • Design and optimize collision-aware trajectory planning for tightly constrained robotic workspaces
  • Configure and extend MoveIt 2 planning pipelines, kinematic models, and planning scenes
  • Develop robust path planning algorithms utilizing OMPL, RRT, PRM, CHOMP, STOMP, and related planning frameworks
  • Implement ROS2 nodes supporting motion planning, trajectory execution, actuator feedback, and robot state management
  • Collaborate with perception engineers to integrate sensor-driven planning capabilities
  • Work with hardware and systems engineers to define kinematic limits, motion profiles, and safety constraints
  • Perform hands-on debugging and optimization directly on production robotic systems during development and field deployments
  • Write clean, maintainable, production-quality software while documenting architecture and design decisions
  • Continuously improve robot performance, reliability, and cycle time through planning optimization
Tech Breakdown
  • 35% Motion Planning & Trajectory Optimization
  • 25% ROS2 & MoveIt Development
  • 15% Robotics Software Engineering (C++/Python)
  • 15% Hardware Integration & System Debugging
  • 10% Simulation, Testing & Performance Optimization
Daily Responsibilities
  • 60% Hands-On Software Development
  • 20% Hardware Integration, Testing & Debugging
  • 15% Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • 5% Documentation & Technical Design
The Offer
  • Competitive base salary plus bonus and equity potential
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Generous PTO and paid holidays
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge robotics deployed in real industrial environments
  • High-impact engineering role with significant ownership and technical influence
  • Collaborative startup environment with direct access to leadership and rapid career growth

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Sponsorship is not available for this position.