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Robotic Motion Planning Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Intellectt Inc

Robotics Engineer

Vonore, TN · On-site

Support the integration of robotic workcells, automation equipment, and EOAT. * Integrate and troubleshoot vision systems such as Cognex and Keyence. * Troubleshoot robot programming, motion ...

New

Silver Hills Bakery

Controls Engineer

Rossville, TN

$74K - $96K/yr

You can demonstrate independent judgment in realistic planning, prioritization, and execution of ... robots and their end-of-arm tooling into each cell, including sensors, vision, and motion control ...

Silver Hills Bakery

Controls Engineer

Rossville, TN · On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

You can demonstrate independent judgment in realistic planning, prioritization, and execution of ... robots and their end-of-arm tooling into each cell, including sensors, vision, and motion control ...

Silver Hills Bakery

Controls Engineer

Rossville, TN · On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

You can demonstrate independent judgment in realistic planning, prioritization, and execution of ... robots and their end-of-arm tooling into each cell, including sensors, vision, and motion control ...

Adient

Automation Engineer

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

Lead automation capital planning and execution, including business cases, ROI analysis, scope ... Robotics: Working knowledge of FANUC robot programming and system integration, including Teach ...

EOTECH

Embedded Systems Engineer II

Clarksville, TN · Hybrid

Participate in design reviews, sprint planning, and team meetings. * Learn and apply Agile or other ... Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.

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All JobsRobotic Motion Planning Engineer JobsRobotic Motion Planning Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Robotic Motion Planning Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$26.3K

$95.8K

$153.4K

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

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotic motion planning engineer in Tennessee is $95,849.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,800.00 and $115,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

Are robotic motion planning engineers in high demand?

Robotic motion planning engineers are in high demand due to the growth of automation, robotics, and AI across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Their expertise in algorithms, kinematics, and programming tools like ROS and MATLAB makes them valuable as companies seek to develop advanced robotic systems and autonomous vehicles.

Do robotic motion planning engineers get paid well?

Robotic motion planning engineers typically earn competitive salaries due to their specialized skills in robotics, algorithms, and programming. Salaries vary based on experience, education, and industry, but they are generally above average compared to many engineering roles. Advanced knowledge of robotics frameworks and tools can also influence compensation levels.

What are popular job titles related to Robotic Motion Planning Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

For Robotic Motion Planning Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Robotic Motion Planning Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Robotic Motion Planning Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Robotic Motion Planning Engineer jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Robotic Motion Planning Engineer job openings:

Robotic Motion Planning Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Robotic Motion Planning Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,849 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Lead Robotics Engineer, Autonomy

Valinor Enterprises

Cookeville, TN • On-site

$87K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Valinor is a new type of defense and government tech company focused on solving the problems others don't. Our unique model of centralized go-to-market and decentralized engineering allows us to move with unparalleled efficiency to identify unmet needs, build right-sized solutions, and get products where they matter most - in the hands of users. Unlike others in the space, who focus on the flashy problems, Valinor exists to solve the quiet, unaddressed problems-the small but significant ones that lead to cracks in the country's strength, stability, and security.
Backed by General Catalyst, Founders Fund, and Red Cell Partners, Valinor was founded in 2024 and has established strategic partnerships with Palantir, Anduril, and Helsing. We are building the dream team, and we want you on it.
About the Role
Valinor Dispatch is seeking a Lead Robotics Engineer to own the autonomy stack end to end, from computer vision and flight control to robotic manipulation, behind its ruggedized, field-deployable UxS charging infrastructure for defense applications. This is a hands-on technical leadership role for someone who can set architectural direction, work shoulder-to-shoulder with mechanical, electrical, and software teams, and mentor a small group of engineers building the next generation of autonomous and robotic platforms. You'll drive the system from concept through field deployment and establish the technical standards the team will build on.
What You'll Do
  • Architect and own the full autonomy stack (perception, state estimation, planning, and control) across autonomous aerial platforms and robotic manipulators, from concept through field deployment.
  • Lead integration and tuning of flight control software (PX4/ArduPilot-class or in-house controllers), including attitude and position loops for stability and reliable performance in real-world and contested environments.
  • Design, develop, and bring up robotic arm systems including kinematics, dynamics, motion planning, and manipulation behaviors, with sim-to-real validation and on-hardware tuning.
  • Develop computer vision and sensor-fusion pipelines (camera/IMU/LiDAR) for navigation, target detection, alignment, and autonomous docking and retention tasks.
  • Work closely with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to ensure seamless integration of sensors, electronics, and electromechanical components into deployable systems.
  • Establish standards for simulation, testing, and safe field operation. Drive technical direction through design reviews and architecture decisions.
  • Mentor a small team of robotics and software engineers. Lead prototype bring-up, testing, and refinement in lab and field environments.

What We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's or Master's in Robotics, EE/ME, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
  • 5+ years of experience building robotics/autonomy systems, with 2+ years in a technical lead or team-lead capacity on mission-critical or fielded systems (defense, aerospace, drones, or similar).
  • Strong proficiency in C++ and Python, with solid real-time and embedded systems fundamentals.
  • Demonstrated depth across the full stack: perception/CV, state estimation (EKF/factor graphs, VIO/SLAM), motion and path planning, and control (PID through MPC).
  • Hands-on experience with flight control stacks (PX4/ArduPilot or equivalent) and tuning controllers on real hardware.
  • Experience designing and deploying 6DOF manipulation systems, including kinematics, motion planning (MoveIt/OMPL-class), and grasping.
  • Proficiency with ROS/ROS2 and robotics simulation tooling (Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or similar), plus hardware-in-the-loop testing.
  • Track record of shipping autonomous systems to the real world, not just simulation or research, with sound judgment on sim-to-real and field reliability.
  • Robot learning (imitation/RL, VLA models), CUDA/edge deployment, and experience operating in rugged or contested environments a plus.

What Valinor Offers
  • Competitive salary, equity packages, and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance - fully covered for employees, 401(k), development stipends, among others.
  • Unlimited PTO and two-week company holiday at the end of every calendar year.
  • We are a pro-mental health and pro-family company - we actually encourage employees to spend time with themselves and their families. Valinor also provides fertility benefits to those just beginning that journey.
  • Fun work environment - we like to laugh and take care of each other, but we also deeply respect the mission in front of us.

This role requires the candidate be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Active clearance preferred, but not required.
Valinor is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Valinor team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense and government technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you!

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