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Robotic Motion Planning Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Robotic Motion Planning Engineer information

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$29K

$105.6K

$169K

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

As of Jun 9, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,605 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
LEAD ENGINEER - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - Motion Planning Expert - Robotics

LEAD ENGINEER - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - Motion Planning Expert - Robotics

Southwest Research Institute - Fulltime

San Antonio, TX

$92K - $121K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Southwest Research Institute rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 57 rated research


Job description

Who We Are: The Intelligent Systems Division develops automated solutions for commercial and government clients in multiple domains including transportation (traffic management, connected automated vehicle), manufacturing robotics, medical prognostics and communication standards. Objectives of this Role: Join the Robotics Department to contribute to building advanced capabilities, technologies and solutions in the field of industrial robotics and automation that solve real-world challenges faced by our customers. Support novel application development with optimization-based/graph-based path planning with integration of 3D perception and surface reconstruction.

Business development for new applications, industries, and clients for novel automation capabilities. Technical leadership and project management of cutting edge robotics applications. Visit https://robotics.swri.org to learn about some of the work we do.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities: Communicate effectively with internal team, external clients, and industry partners. Design, build, debug and implement robotic and automation solutions primarily using software skills. Coordinate individual performance goals and objectives set by the organization as well as lead project teams to realize organizational objectives.

Prepare proposals and cost estimates. Interact with customers to promote new business and develop technical requirements. Has a special focus on software design for motion planning and perception of robotic manipulators.

Requirements: Requires a Bachelors, Masters or a PhD in Robotics, Mechatronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, or other robotics-related engineering degree. 10-15 years: Candidates must have relevant industry experience in robotic motion planning; The company could be a manufacturer, robotics company, robotics integrator, etc. 10-15 years: Strong software skills; C++ or Python required 10-15 years: Strong communication skills 2-5 years: Robot Operating System (ROS) experience required.

A valid/clear driver's license is required.


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