# Motion Planning and Controls Engineer

**Company:** [Maven Robotics](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/maven-robotics)
**Location:** California
**Role:** Embedded Engineering
**Skills:** Model Predictive Control, Python, C++, Forward Kinematics, Inverse Kinematics, Forward Dynamics, Inverse Dynamics, Motor Servo Control, Slam, Kalman Filtering, Reinforcement Learning, Imitation Learning, Field-Oriented Control
**Posted:** 2026-02-02

> Develops motion planning and control software for AI robots, covering optimization algorithms, motor control, and electromechanical systems integration. Requires MS/PhD, expertise in Model Predictive Control, Python/C++, and multi-disciplinary problem-solving.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Cover the entire software stack that governs robot motion, from optimization-based motion planning and control for an overactuated autonomous system, down to individual motor torque control.
- Utilize deep expertise in complex, high degree-of-freedom electromechanical systems.
- Employ a multi-disciplinary mindset, bridging mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering domains.
- Interface with perception, intelligence, simulation, and platform software systems to design functional architectures for robot performance.
- Achieve exceptional motion quality via continual test, measurement, analysis, and improvement.

## Must-have Qualifications
- MS or PhD in engineering, mathematics, computer science or related discipline.
- Experience in optimization-based motion planning and control algorithms such as Model Predictive Control.
- Experience in control, estimation, modeling, and analysis of complex multi-degree-of-freedom electromechanical systems, including forward/inverse kinematics, forward/inverse dynamics, and task/joint space control.
- Practical experience with motor servo control (position/velocity/torque control) architectures and tuning.
- Proficiency in Python and C++ programming, using up-to-date software development practices and tooling.
- Self-starter attitude with strong ability to identify problems, prioritize, plan and execute solutions.
- Enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced startup environment.

## Nice-to-have
- Familiarity with ground vehicle localization, mapping, and state estimation techniques (e.g. SLAM, Kalman filtering).
- Familiarity with robotic simulation software frameworks/environments.
- Familiarity with modern approaches to robotic manipulation, including reinforcement learning (RL) and imitation learning (IL).
- Knowledge of brushless motor current control (e.g. field-oriented control).
- Familiarity with functional safety (FuSa) concepts.

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