Design planning technologies needed to build the AV software stack; write new software modules from scratch that drive vehicles safely and comfortably in dense urban environments.
Build optimization-, sampling-, and/or search-based planning approaches with vehicle dynamics and constraints (collision avoidance, comfort/jerk limits, road-rule compliance).
Define and implement fallback and degraded-mode behaviors (e.g., safe stop / minimal risk maneuvers) and contribute to safety-oriented design (failure modes, redundancy, validation evidence).
Integrate planning with prediction, perception, mapping/localization, and controls; define clean interfaces and troubleshoot end-to-end system issues using logs and scenario replay.
Build and improve offline and closed-loop simulation benchmarks and metrics for planning quality (safety, legality, comfort, progress), and drive regression prevention.
Define and build tools to accelerate debugging, scenario triage/mining, evaluation automation, and parameter/config management across vehicle platforms.
Drive integration efforts across different platforms/vehicle types; support on-vehicle issue reproduction and resolution.
Most importantly, work on groundbreaking and innovative technology, tackle difficult problems, and help build a world-class system!
What we need to see
BS, MS, or higher degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
12+ years of expereince in the relevant field.
Strong software engineering skills in C/C++ (production-quality, performance-aware, testable code); Python experience for tooling/evaluation is a plus.
Knowledge and hands-on background in several of the following: motion planning, decision-making, optimization, search, sampling-based planning, geometry, vehicle dynamics/kinematics, real-time systems.
Experience building and using simulation and evaluation pipelines, writing unit/integration tests, and preventing regressions via automation.
Strong debugging skills across multi-module systems; ability to turn ambiguous on-road/sim failures into actionable fixes.
Ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively across functions (prediction/perception/controls/safety).
Ways to stand out from the crowd
Hands-on experience shipping urban/L4 robotaxi planning (behavior + trajectory) with measurable improvements in safety and ride quality.
Experience with interaction-aware or uncertainty-aware planning (risk-sensitive decision making, robust constraints, prediction coupling).
Experience with automotive safety concepts and analysis methods (e.g., FMEA) and building credible validation strategies.
Track record of leading architecture/roadmap and mentoring, or rapidly delivering high-quality features with strong engineering fundamentals.
PhD with relevant experience or significant industry experience in autonomy/robotics.
Academic and commercial groups around the world are powering a revolution in artificial intelligence using deep learning techniques running on NVIDIA GPUs, enabling breakthroughs in problems from image classification to speech recognition to natural language processing. Intelligent machines powered by AI computers that can learn, reason and interact with people are no longer science fiction. Today, a self-driving car powered by AI can navigate complex environments and make safe decisions in real time. This is truly an extraordinary time. The era of AI has begun.
#AutonomousVehicles
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and other objective job-related factors. The expected base salary range for this position is 224,000 USD – 356,500 USD.
You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until November 3, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
