Torc Robotics

Autonomous Vehicles

StaffSoftwareEngineer-Behaviors

$186–223k Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States FULL TIME
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Senior candidates.

The Brief

“Staff Software Engineer - Behaviors at Torc Robotics. Skills: Autonomous driving, Motion planning, Behavior prediction, Machine learning. Design core planning systems. Develop core prediction systems”

Industry & Context.

Autonomous Vehicles
Problems you'll solve

Root-cause investigations; Debugging; Troubleshooting

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field with 10+ years of industry OR Master's degree with 7+ years of OR PhD with 5+ years of experience, Expert-level proficiency in modern C++ development within Linux-based environments, Demonstrated experience delivering robotics, autonomous vehicle, or advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) software into production, Experience designing and developing motion planning, behavior planning, prediction, or decision-making systems for autonomous systems or robotics applications, Deep understanding of software architecture, system design, and scalable engineering practices, Experience working across the full software development lifecycle, from concept and design through deployment and operational support, Communication and collaboration skills with the ability to influence technical direction across organizations, Ability to operate independently in highly ambiguous environments while driving complex technical initiatives to completion

Nice to Have

Expertise in motion planning, trajectory optimization, behavior prediction, or decision-making systems for autonomous vehicles, Experience with optimization and controls-based approaches such as Model Predictive Control (MPC), trajectory optimization, or numerical optimization techniques, Experience applying machine learning techniques, including imitation learning, reinforcement learning, or hybrid planning architectures within autonomy systems, Understanding of vehicle dynamics, state estimation, controls, and trajectory tracking, Experience developing software in both C++ and Python environments, Experience integrating machine learning models into real-time production systems, Experience working with simulation platforms and large-scale autonomy validation environments, Proven track record of technical leadership, cross-functional influence, and mentoring senior engineers, Passion for autonomous vehicles, robotics, and building systems that operate safely in the real world

What You'll Do.

Design core planning systems

Develop core prediction systems

Maintain core planning systems

Maintain core prediction systems

Advance planning approaches

Evaluate planning approaches

Make data-driven decisions

Own technical solutions

Develop production-quality software

Adhere to quality best practices

Adhere to safety best practices

Adhere to testing best practices

Adhere to deployment best practices

Drive simulation-based validation

Ensure robust performance

Partner with Safety team

Partner with Controls team

Partner with Perception team

Partner with Validation team

Partner with Simulation team

Develop autonomous driving behaviors

Develop fallback strategies

Develop minimum-risk maneuvers

Lead root-cause investigations

Reproduce field issues

Debug vehicle behavior

Translate findings into improvements

Influence technical strategy

Influence roadmap planning

Influence long-term architectural direction

Act as technical lead

Drive alignment across teams

Drive alignment across stakeholders

Drive execution across teams

Drive execution across stakeholders

Raise technical standards

Develop autonomy leaders

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

Cross-functional influence; Cross-functional initiatives; Partner with Safety; Partner with Controls; Partner with Perception; Partner with Validation; Partner with Simulation

Communication Scope

Technical strategy; Roadmap planning

Process & Methodology

Roadmap planning

Full Job Description

About the Company At Torc, we have always believed that autonomous vehicle technology will transform how we travel, move freight, and do business. A leader in autonomous driving since 2007, Torc has spent over a decade commercializing our solutions with experienced partners. Now a part of the Daimler family, we are focused solely on developing software for automated trucks to transform how the world moves freight. Join us and catapult your career with the company that helped pioneer autonomous technology, and the first AV software company with the vision to partner directly with a truck manufacturer. Meet the Team: Join Torc's Behaviors Team, where we develop the planning, prediction, and decision-making systems that determine how our autonomous trucks navigate the world safely, efficiently, and predictably. Our team operates at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, optimization, simulation, and safety, building the core autonomy capabilities that translate perception into action. We are seeking a Staff Software Engineer who thrives in a hands-on technical leadership role and is passionate about solving some of the most challenging problems in autonomous driving. This position combines deep technical ownership with cross-functional influence, requiring expertise in motion planning, behavior prediction, autonomy architecture, and production software development. You will help shape the future direction of Torc's planning systems while mentoring engineers and driving execution across critical autonomy initiatives. What You'll Do Design, develop, and maintain core planning and prediction systems, including trajectory generation, behavior prediction, decision-making, and motion planning algorithms for autonomous trucks. Advance and evaluate multiple planning approaches, including optimization-based, learning-based, and hybrid architectures, making data-driven decisions on where each methodology delivers the greatest value. Own technical solutions across the fu

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