Robotics Software Engineer, Path Planning

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Maneuver Dominance team at Anduril develops operationally relevant, multi-asset autonomy. We are focused on making large groups of autonomous systems work effectively together. We leverage existing Anduril drone platforms like Ghost or Altius, in addition to bringing 3rd party platforms into Anduril’s Lattice ecosystem.

About the Role

We are seeking a Robotics Software Engineer specializing in path planning to join our team. In this role, you will design, implement, and optimize motion planning algorithms for autonomous robotics systems. You'll contribute to solving complex challenges in trajectory generation, multi-agent coordination, and real-time decision-making, with a strong focus on scalable and reliable solutions.
We are particularly interested in candidates with hands-on experience using path planning and controls frameworks such as RRT, MPPI, or similar techniques. Familiarity with drones, autonomous vehicles, or other robotics platforms is a significant plus.
If you have a passion for building cutting-edge robotics systems and thrive in solving real-world path planning problems, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

• Path Planning Development: Design and implement advanced motion planning algorithms, including but not limited to RRT, MPPI, PRM, and other trajectory generation techniques.
• Autonomous Navigation: Develop software enabling robots to navigate complex, dynamic environments with precision and efficiency.
• Sensor & Data Integration: Collaborate with perception teams to integrate sensor data (e.g., LiDAR, cameras, GPS/IMUs) into path-planning pipelines.
• Multi-Agent Coordination: Build and optimize path planning systems for fleets of drones or robots to operate collaboratively and efficiently.
• Simulation Testing Frameworks: Develop and maintain testing frameworks for preflight evaluations, ensuring robustness, safety, and effectiveness of path planner before deployment in physical environments.
• Real-World Testing: Deploy, test, and refine motion planning solutions in physical environments, including field testing and demonstrations.
• Performance Optimization: Focus on algorithmic efficiency to ensure low-latency, real-time planning for time-critical applications.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with hardware, manufacturing, and systems teams to ensure software integrates seamlessly with physical platforms.

Required Qualifications

• Technical Background: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields.
• Path Planning Expertise: Demonstrated experience with motion planning frameworks like RRT, MPPI, PRM, or similar planners.
• C++ and/or Rust Proficiency: 4+ years of experience developing production-grade robotics software.
• Real-World Deployment: Proven track record of deploying path planning systems in autonomous robots, drones, or similar platforms.
• Complex Systems: Ability to navigate and contribute to established codebases and multi-disciplinary projects.
• Travel Flexibility: Willingness to travel up to 25% for testing and deployment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Drone Experience: Hands-on experience developing software for UAVs, including path planning, navigation, and control.
• Advanced Motion Planning: Expertise in trajectory optimization, sampling-based planners, or model predictive control.
• Simulation Tools: Experience with Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) or Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation for path planning validation.
• Multi-Robot Systems: Knowledge of multi-agent coordination and distributed planning algorithms.
• Programming Skills: Additional experience with Python or real-time operating systems.
• Machine Learning: Familiarity with AI/ML techniques for motion planning or perception.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including: 

Healthcare Benefits 

• US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you. 
• UK & AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents. 
• IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents. 

Additional Benefits 

• Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees. 
• Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs. 
• Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting. 
• Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work-life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available. 
• Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development 
• Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region. 
• Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility. 

Retirement Savings Plan 

• US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options. 
• UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match. 
• AUS Roles: Superannuation plan. 

The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process. 

To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.