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Robotic Motion Planning Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Motion Recruitment

Robotics Software Engineer

Waltham, MA

$150K - $200K/yr

Strong experience developing robotic motion and movement systems * Experience with motion planning, trajectory generation, or robot control * Strong C++ programming experience * Experience developing ...

New

Socket.dev

Principal Motion Planning Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$180 - $280/hr

Set engineering standards and technical strategy across the robotics organization, driving high ... Mastery of motion planning and controls: sample-based planning (e.g., RRT), path and trajectory ...

Caterpillar

Senior Robotics Planning Engineer

Irving, TX · On-site

$112K - $183K/yr

The Robotics Planning Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and validating planning ... Design, implement, and optimize motion planning algorithms that enable autonomous systems to ...

Ultrasonium

Robotics Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Design and integrate robotic motion and manipulation systems. * Develop kinematics, motion planning ... Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related ...

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Robotic Motion Planning Engineer information

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$169K

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

As of Sep 3, 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 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.
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Robotic Motion Planning Engineer jobs near you
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, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,605 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Principal Motion Planning Engineer

Pickle Robot Company

Charlestown, MA • On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

About Us

At Pickle Robot, we're on a mission to automate global supply chains with Physical AI. Our robots work alongside warehouse teams to unload trucks and containers - one of the toughest, most understaffed jobs in logistics - making the work safer, faster, and more efficient for the people doing it.  Loading trucks comes next, followed by the Dill Autonomy Engine: generalized autonomy that will eventually orchestrate robots across entire logistics processes.

We're looking for a dynamic, driven Principal Motion Planning Engineer to help revolutionize the future of warehouse automation. As the most senior individual contributor on the motion planning team, you'll own the hardest technical problems behind how Pickle's robots plan, move, and recover in the real world, multiplying the team's impact through deep technical leadership rather than direct people management. 
What You'll Do
  • Own the technical vision, architecture, interfaces, and system documentation for Pickle's motion planning and controls stack - manipulation, navigation, and safety-critical control of the unload robot - so the team can move faster and scale
  • Take on the hardest algorithmic problems in planning and control - sample-based planning (e.g., RRT), path and trajectory optimization, numerical/nonlinear optimization, and contact-aware control - and turn research prototypes into production systems
  • Set engineering standards and technical strategy across the robotics organization, driving high-stakes technical decisions that unblock major customers and multi-year roadmaps
  • Act as a force multiplier through deep technical mentorship - raising the bar for the whole team, reviewing designs, and guiding engineers on the toughest problems without direct people management
  • Analyze field failure cases and partner across engineering, test, and on-site deployment teams to design robust autonomous recovery that measurably improves reliability
  • Establish regression tests, benchmarks, and success metrics that keep regressions away from customers and focus the team on the highest-impact work.
  • Write production-grade Python and C++ for real-time, safety-critical robotics - personally shipping the highest-leverage and highest-risk components 
What You'll Bring
  • 8+ years building robotics software, with a sustained record of designing and shipping complex systems as a senior individual contributor; deep graduate robotics/controls research experience counts toward this
  • Expert-level mastery of motion planning and control for real-world robots - manipulation, navigation, or locomotion - including sample-based planning (e.g., RRT), path and trajectory optimization, numerical/nonlinear optimization, and optimal/contact-aware control, in safety-critical, real-time production systems; expert-level Python and C++
  • Exceptional technical communication; able to set org-wide technical strategy, write clear architecture and design docs, and influence engineering, product, and executive stakeholders without formal authority. Professional fluency in English
  • No specific degree required - a strong foundation in robotics, controls, computer science, mechanical engineering, or a related quantitative field is expected
  • Proficiency with ROS/ROS2, Git, Linux, and numerical optimization libraries; experience architecting testing/CI and benchmarking for robotics
  • Deep technical ownership, sound judgment on high-stakes tradeoffs, a force-multiplier mindset, strong failure-analysis instincts, and a collaborative, low-ego approach
  • Hybrid - Boston, MA area, with regular on-site work and occasional travel to customer deployment sites
  • Full-time, with occasional schedule flexibility to support on-site deployments, demos, and testing
$150,000 - $170,000 a year
Pay at Pickle At Pickle Robot Company, we believe transparency builds trust. The salary range listed here is provided in accordance with Massachusetts law and reflects what we reasonably and in good faith expect to offer for this role. We often consider candidates at different levels of seniority, and final compensation will reflect the level at which a candidate is hired, along with factors like experience and location.   Pickle Perks  Pickle provides best-in-class benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance; unlimited vacation; paid federal and state holidays; 401(k) contributions of 5% of your salary; company-covered travel expenses; and other perks to make your working life more fun, comfortable, and productive. 
 
Pay at Pickle
At Pickle Robot Company, we believe transparency builds trust. The salary range listed here is provided in accordance with Massachusetts law and reflects what we reasonably and in good faith expect to offer for this role. We often consider candidates at different levels of seniority, and final compensation will reflect the level at which a candidate is hired, along with factors like experience and location.
  Pickle Perks 
Pickle provides best-in-class benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance; unlimited vacation; paid federal and state holidays; 401(k) contributions of 5% of your salary; company-covered travel expenses; and other perks to make your working life more fun, comfortable, and productive. 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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