Planning Engineer

Foundation•San Francisco, CA

2d•$150,000 - $195,000

About The Position

We are seeking a highly technical and motivated Planning Engineer to join our team. This role is crucial for setting the direction of our planning architecture and priorities. You will be responsible for designing and implementing motion planning algorithms for off-road ATV navigation, integrating various constraints into safe and drivable paths, and tuning control parameters for robust performance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in robotics and controls, with hands-on experience in motion planning, ROS2, C++, Python, and real-world testing on robotic platforms. We are looking for someone who is passionate about technology, cares about product quality, and is self-motivated to get things done.

Requirements

Strong background in robotics, controls, or related fields (MSc or equivalent experience).
Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree candidate in Computer Science, Math, Electrical.
Hands-on experience with motion planning algorithms.
Proficiency in ROS2, C++, Python, internal middleware, and point cloud / occupancy representations, map / cost representations.
Solid grasp of vehicle dynamics and path-following control.
Comfort with real-world testing and debugging on robotic platforms.
Experience integrating autonomy stacks on real robotic vehicles (not just simulation).
Strong problem-solving skills with a bias toward practical, field-ready solutions over theory.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of ADAS/AD systems and vehicle dynamics is a plus

Responsibilities

Set short and long term direction for planning architecture and priorities.
Design and implement motion planning algorithms for off-road ATV navigation.
Integrate waypoints, obstacle avoidance, and terrain constraints into safe, drivable paths.
Tune and validate control parameters for robust performance on rough, off-road terrain.
Design test scenarios and evaluate planning algorithms in both simulation and field environments.
Set real-time replanning policies and continuity rules so behavior remains stable as conditions change.
Generate speed profiles from curvature, visibility, slope, and surface quality; respect slow/no-go zones and grade limits.
Collaborate with vehicle engineering to create an integrated system, including sensor/compute selection and integration.
Implement state-of-the-art approaches to trajectory planning, route planning, and real-time control.