Technical Specialist Motion Planning and Controls Engineer, Autonomous Driving
Lucid Motors
Technical Specialist Motion Planning and Controls Engineer, Autonomous Driving
Lucid Motors
Designs and manufactures luxury electric vehicles
About Lucid
At Lucid, we are creating exceptional mobility experiences through innovation to drive the world forward. Built on Lucid’s proprietary technology and software-defined vehicle architecture, our award-winning vehicles bring our “Compromise Nothing™” approach to the global automotive market. That means refusing to choose between performance and sustainability, design and engineering, ambition and integrity. In Lucid Air and Lucid Gravity, we have designed and built vehicles that have redefined their segments, combining exceptional range, performance, design, and expansive space in a single experience.
We achieve this through deep vertical integration, with design, engineering, and production happening in-house across our global offices and manufacturing facilities. Our teams come from industries around the world, united by a shared commitment to excellence. By refusing to settle, you can help redefine what’s possible and shape the future of mobility.
We are seeking a Technical Specialist - Motion Planning and Controls Engineer, Autonomous Driving to design, develop, and deploy industry-leading planning and control algorithms for next-generation driver assistance and autonomous systems.
This position is based in Newark, CA and requires onsite presence five days a week.
The Role:
As a Tech Specialist Motion Planning and Controls Engineer, you will play a key role in developing high-performance motion planning and control features for Lucid’s ADAS and autonomous driving systems. You’ll work across software, hardware, and systems teams to ensure robust design, testing, and deployment of production-grade lateral and longitudinal control algorithms.
Responsibilities:
Design, prototype, test, and deploy motion planning and control algorithms for ADAS and autonomous driving systems.
Implement state-of-the-art approaches to trajectory planning, route planning, and real-time control.
Develop and tune classical and modern controllers (e.g., LQR, MPC, PID, Adaptive, Robust) for both lateral and longitudinal vehicle dynamics.
Conduct model-based design and validation using MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent tools.
Participate in the full development cycle, from simulation and SIL/HIL testing to in-vehicle implementation and release.
Collaborate closely with systems, validation, perception, and platform teams to ensure safe and seamless software integration.
Contribute to architectural decisions, safety assessments, and product scalability.
Required Qualifications:
Phd/MS in Automotive, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
8+ years of experience in simulation, robotics, or autonomous systems, with significant time spent on ADAS/AD domain.
Deep knowledge of control system design and real-time implementation using modern control approaches (e.g., LQR, MPC).
Proven experience deploying lateral and longitudinal controllers in a production or research vehicle environment.
Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink).
Solid understanding of ADAS/AD systems, robotics, and vehicle dynamics.
Strong communication skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, and MATLAB.
Experience with middleware frameworks like ROS.
Familiarity with AUTOSAR and embedded software development practices.
Experience in bench testing, SIL/HIL integration, and scenario-based simulation.
Knowledge of safety standards and automotive system regulations (e.g., ISO 26262).
Experience in agile development environments, version control (e.g., Git), static code analysis and CI/CD for large-scale automated regression testing.
Compensation & Benefits:Lucid offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability coverage; paid time off; paid holidays, paid sick leave; and a 401(k) retirement plan. Hourly/non-exempt employees accrue up to 120 hours paid time off, and salaried/exempt employee accrue up to 160 hours paid time off. Eligible employees may also participate in Lucid’s equity program and/or a discretionary annual cash incentive program. Incentive and equity awards, if applicable, are determined based on individual performance, role scope, market considerations, and overall company results, in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
Equal Opportunity: At Lucid, we believe diversity strengthens everything we build. Lucid Motors is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive workplace for all. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal laws and regulations.
Accessibility: Lucid Motors is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need any accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at TA-Operations <@> lucidmotors.com. This email address is designated solely for accommodation requests and is not monitored for job applications or resume submissions. To be considered for employment, all applications must be submitted through the Lucid Motors Careers website.
Candidate Data Privacy: By submitting your application, you understand and agree that your personal data will be processed in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Notice.
To all recruitment agencies:Lucid Motors does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to Lucid Motors. Lucid Motors is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Base Pay Range (Annual) 179400 - 263120 USD
Designs and manufactures luxury electric vehicles
Lucid Motors designs and builds luxury electric vehicles in the United States. It develops its own EV technology in-house, enabling longer ranges with fewer batteries, which makes cars lighter and more sustainable. It sells directly to consumers, controlling the whole process from design to sales and service. Its goal is to advance sustainable technology and redefine what luxury electric vehicles can be in the automotive industry.
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