Principal Motion Planning Engineer

Responsibilities: Own the technical vision and architecture of Pickle's motion planning and controls stack for manipulation, navigation, and safety-critical control of the unload robot 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 Define and maintain the architecture, interfaces, and system documentation for the full planning and controls stack so the team can move faster and scale 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 Skills and Experience: 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, hands-on experience developing motion planning and control for real-world robots — manipulation, navigation, or locomotion — in safety-critical, real-time production systems 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 Mastery of motion planning and controls: sample-based planning (e.g., RRT), path and trajectory optimization, numerical/nonlinear optimization, optimal and contact-aware control; expert-level Python and C++ None required. A strong foundation in robotics, controls, computer science, mechanical engineering, or a related quantitative field is expected ROS/ROS2, Python and C++ toolchains, 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 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.