PlusAI

Builds AI driving systems for commercial trucks

Senior Research Engineer - Controls

Robotics & Autonomous SystemsConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeSanta Clara, CA, USA$150k - $200k /yrHybrid

About the Job

Requirements

A Master's or PhD degree in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
At least 2 years of machine-learning engineering experience or industry experience designing and developing for robotics applications.
A strong foundation in motion control and modern neural network architectures, with expertise in at least one application area such as imitation learning, reinforcement learning, time-series analysis, or dynamic system modeling.
Proficiency debugging robotic systems within Linux environments and strong programming expertise in Python and C++.
Experience with model development and training using modern frameworks such as PyTorch.
Hands-on familiarity with data ingestion and processing pipelines.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and enhance control algorithms by developing frameworks that integrate model predictive control with learning-based approaches, including deep learning, reinforcement learning, and imitation learning.
Work cross-functionally with domain experts to implement data-driven controller design for scalability.
Develop tools and infrastructure for dataset generation, training, and evaluation to advance online control optimization.
Ensure model development remains real-time focused and operates efficiently in compute-constrained environments.
Lead planning and execution of vehicle testing in offline simulation and on public roads to systematically improve performance; perform root cause analysis and debugging to address issues.
Track and incorporate the latest research advancements.
Develop machine-learning vehicle models and learning-based control policies using fleet data.
Participate in vehicle performance analysis, tuning, and troubleshooting.

Desired Qualifications

Hands-on application skills in adaptive and nonlinear control, model predictive control and optimal control, robust control, data-driven control, Kalman filters, or related areas.
A solid understanding of autonomous-vehicle control, vehicle dynamics, and drive-by-wire systems.
Proven expertise applying, verifying, and validating advanced driver-assistance systems or autonomous-driving features and functions.

Salary Range: 150000 to 200000 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)

PlusAI is a Physical AI company pioneering AI-based virtual driver software for factory-built autonomous trucks. Headquartered in Silicon Valley with operations in the United States and Europe, Plus was named by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Partners including TRATON GROUP’s Scania, MAN, and International brands, Hyundai Motor Company, Iveco Group, Bosch, and DSV are working with Plus to accelerate the deployment of next-generation autonomous trucks. If you’re ready to make a huge impact and drive the future of autonomy, Plus is looking for talented individuals to join its fast-growing teams.

As a Research Engineer, you will deliver mission-critical improvements and new features for our autonomy motion planning and control stack. You will be a crucial part of our team, working alongside engineers, research scientists, and domain experts to build optimal and data driven controls to realize planned vehicle trajectories.

Your responsibilities will include the development of machine-learning vehicle models and learning based control policies leveraging the extensive data we collect every day across our autonomous trucking fleet. You will also have the opportunity to solve real-world autonomy system challenges by participating in vehicle performance analysis, tuning, and troubleshooting. You will contribute significantly to our commitment to pushing the frontiers of technological innovation in Autonomy.

Responsibilities:

Design, implement, and enhance control algorithms by developing frameworks that integrate MPC with learning based approaches (DL/RL/IL)
Work cross-functionally with domain experts to implement data driven controller design for scalability
Develop tools and infrastructure for dataset generation, training, and evaluation to drive advancements in online control optimization
Ensure all model development keeps a real-time focus and operates efficiently in compute-constrained environments
Take a lead role in the planning and execution of vehicle testing in the offline simulation environment and on the public road to systematically improve performance, as well as performing root cause analysis and debugging to address the issues
Track and incorporate the latest research advancements

Required Skills:

Master's or PhD degree in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering or related field
2+ years of MLE experience or industry experience designing and developing for robotics applications
Strong foundation in motion control and modern neural network architectures, with expertise in at least one application area, such as IL/RL, time-series analysis, or dynamic system modeling
Skilled in debugging robotic systems within Linux environments, with strong programming expertise in Python and C++
Experience model development & training with modern frameworks (e.g. PyTorch)
Hands-on familiarity with data ingestion and processing pipelines

Preferred Skills:

Hands-on application skills in any of the following areas: adaptive and nonlinear control, MPC & optimal control, robust control, data-driven control, Kalman filters, etc.
Have a solid understanding of AV control, vehicle dynamics and drive-by-wire systems
Proven expertise with application, verification and validation for ADAS/autonomous driving features and functions

Your opportunities joining PlusAI

Work, learn and grow in a highly future-oriented, innovative and dynamic field.

Wide range of opportunities for personal and professional development.

Catered free lunch, unlimited snacks and beverages.

Highly competitive salary and benefits package, including 401(k) plan.

About the Company

PlusAI

Builds AI driving systems for commercial trucks

PlusAI develops AI driving software for commercial trucks, working with vehicle manufacturers and logistics partners to automate freight transport. Its SuperDrive system combines sensors, onboard computing, and AI models to understand roads, plan maneuvers, and control a truck within defined operating conditions. Truck manufacturers integrate the software into their vehicles, and PlusAI engineers develop and validate the virtual driver for use on freight routes. It also sells autonomous-driving data and development tools through HyperFoundry, and plans to charge for SuperDrive according to truck usage. PlusAI was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.

Company size: 201-500
Company stage: IPO
Headquarters: Santa Clara, CA
Founded: 2016

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