Senior Robotics Motion Planning Engineer

Boston, MAOnsiteDirect Hire$150k - $200kJoin a fast-growing, venture-backed robotics company that is redefining industrial automation through advanced robotics, AI, and precision mechatronics. Backed by experienced founders and recent institutional funding, the company is bringing next-generation robotic systems from prototype into large-scale commercial deployment.This is an opportunity to work on one of the most technically challenging robotics platforms in the industry, developing motion planning software for complex, multi-axis robotic systems operating in dynamic, safety-critical environments. You'll work directly with hardware every day and have significant influence over both product architecture and technical direction. The Opportunity We're looking for a Senior Robotics Engineer – Motion Planning to become the technical leader for robotic motion planning and trajectory generation across a sophisticated multi-axis robotic platform.This is a highly hands-on engineering role where you'll own the design and implementation of collision-aware motion planning, trajectory optimization, and robotic controls software while collaborating closely with perception, controls, systems, and mechanical engineering teams. The ideal candidate enjoys solving difficult robotics problems that move beyond simulation into reliable production hardware deployed in real-world environments. Required Skills & Experience Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field 6+ years of professional robotics software development experience Deep expertise in robotic motion planning and trajectory generation Production experience with ROS2 and MoveIt or MoveIt 2 Strong understanding of sampling-based planners including RRT, RRT*, RRT-Connect, and PRM Experience with trajectory optimization techniques including CHOMP, STOMP, TrajOpt, or similar frameworks Expertise in forward and inverse kinematics using KDL, TRAC-IK, or equivalent libraries Strong C++ and Python development skills Experience implementing collision avoidance and real-time path planning Experience integrating robotics software with physical hardware Strong debugging skills across both software and electromechanical systems Desired Skills & Experience MS or PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline Experience with industrial automation or complex mechatronic systems Experience with real-time robotic controls and hardware-in-the-loop testing Familiarity with low-level motor control, firmware interfaces, or hardware abstraction layers Experience with perception systems including LiDAR, RGB-D cameras, IMUs, SLAM, or point cloud processing Experience using PCL, Open3D, OctoMap, or voxel-based planning environments Knowledge of deterministic industrial planners such as Pilz Motion Planner Experience deploying robotics solutions into production manufacturing or industrial environments What You Will Be Doing Lead the development of motion planning software for a complex multi-axis robotic platform Design and optimize collision-aware trajectory planning for tightly constrained robotic workspaces Configure and extend MoveIt 2 planning pipelines, kinematic models, and planning scenes Develop robust path planning algorithms utilizing OMPL, RRT, PRM, CHOMP, STOMP, and related planning frameworks Implement ROS2 nodes supporting motion planning, trajectory execution, actuator feedback, and robot state management Collaborate with perception engineers to integrate sensor-driven planning capabilities Work with hardware and systems engineers to define kinematic limits, motion profiles, and safety constraints Perform hands-on debugging and optimization directly on production robotic systems during development and field deployments Write clean, maintainable, production-quality software while documenting architecture and design decisions Continuously improve robot performance, reliability, and cycle time through planning optimization Tech Breakdown 35% Motion Planning & Trajectory Optimization 25% ROS2 & MoveIt Development 15% Robotics Software Engineering (C++/Python) 15% Hardware Integration & System Debugging 10% Simulation, Testing & Performance Optimization Daily Responsibilities 60% Hands-On Software Development 20% Hardware Integration, Testing & Debugging 15% Cross-Functional Collaboration 5% Documentation & Technical Design The Offer Competitive base salary plus bonus and equity potential Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) Generous PTO and paid holidays Opportunity to work on cutting-edge robotics deployed in real industrial environments High-impact engineering role with significant ownership and technical influence Collaborative startup environment with direct access to leadership and rapid career growthApplicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Sponsorship is not available for this position.