Staff Software Engineer, Parking (Behavior and Trajectory Planning)

Sunnyvale, CA
Autonomous Driving – Autonomous Projects (4082) /
Full-time /
On-site
At Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBRDNA), we are committed to delivering world-class automotive technologies that push the boundaries of what is possible. Our teams of highly skilled engineers and designers use cutting-edge software and technology, to enhance the driving experience and reduce environmental impact. 

Developing the future generation of the Mercedes-Benz ADAS system in the Parking Software Development team. The team works in Planning and Control and interacts closely with the Near Field Perception, Fusion, and Localization teams. Focusing on advanced driver-assistance, autonomous driving (SAE levels 2-4) for urban and highway driving, and especially autonomous parking systems through low-speed maneuvering. The Parking Software Development team is part of the Autonomous Driving team at MBRDNA, and part of the global Mercedes-Benz R&D development team. Major contributions of the team are overall architecture, design, functional algorithms, embedded driving software of our development and customer vehicles as well as tools and processes necessary for successful software development and verification & validation.

You will be working in a team of highly motivated engineers, contributing directly to the functional software and concept development of ADAS/AD features, specifically in the planning and control domain. Leveraging both traditional robotics/planning algorithms, as well as cutting edge machine learning techniques for both current and future development.

Relocation assistance (domestic or international) is not provided for this position.

Job Responsibilities:

    • Perform advanced engineering and development for series production of real-time motion and trajectory planning algorithms in environments with dynamic obstacles for a safe and comfortable motion of self-driving cars
    • Develop robust real-time algorithms in context of situation analysis, decision making, path planning, behavior planning, motion planning, and trajectory optimizations for autonomous parking systems
    • Optimize, test, and validate the developed algorithms and software in both simulated and real-world environments to improve the availability, accuracy, and robustness of parking features, and to ensure suitability for end-customers in production vehicles without a safety driver
    • Maintain and document code to keep colleagues up to date with the quickly evolving software
    • Investigate planning concepts, to ensure our vehicles can cope with all real-world parking and low-speed driving situations, and transfer the developed product innovations to future Mercedes-Benz vehicles
    • Provide technical guidance and leadership to the team, ensuring alignment with project goals and objectives. Set technical direction, define best practices, and foster a culture of innovation and excellence

Minimum Qualifications:

    • Bachelor's with 7+ years of relevant experience, Master's with 5+ years of relevant experience, or Ph.D. (preferred) in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Robotics, or a related field
    • Knowledge of search-based algorithm (A*, RRT, etc.)
    • Knowledge of trajectory planning concepts and algorithms (lattice planner, sampling-based trajectory planning, etc.)
    • Knowledge of robotics algorithms such as coordinate system transformation, kinematics, and dynamics
    • Excellent C++ programming expertise
    • Knowledge of Python programming language
    • Excellent understanding of machine learning
    • Comfortable with deep learning frameworks, e.g., Pytorch, Tensorflow
    • Proven ability to multitask and deliver on challenging software development tasks
    • Experience with source code management, unit test, code review, and issue tracking systems
    • Knowledge of Linux and development on Linux systems
    • Capability to read and implement latest approaches in trajectory planning and autonomous parking systems in general
    • Skills in the field of software architecture and software design (UML, state charts, etc.)
    • Valid US Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications:

    • Excellent expertise in Python programming
    • Excellent expertise in robotics real-time trajectory planning in dynamic environments
    • Experience working independently in a large software setting
    • Experience working with robot and/or automotive hardware
    • Experience with simulation environments
    • Excellent communication skills
    • Experience with mentoring and developing junior members of a team
    • System integration and software architecture skills
    • Hands-on experience of training and deploying DNNs/foundation models
The successful candidate’s starting pay will be determined based on a wide range of factors, including, but not limited to, job-related education, skills, and experience, geographic location, and market conditions. The current salary range for this position is as follows and may be modified in the future: $152,300 - $194,100. 

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Why should you apply?
Here at MBRDNA, you create digital ecosystems around cars, you design a language between humans and machines, you make a car even more intelligent - you make the new reality for cars. MBRDNA was honored as one of the "Best Places to Work" by BuiltIn in January 2024, a testament to our commitment to creating an exceptional work environment. At each of our offices, we foster a culture of diversity, collaboration, and continuous learning, ensuring every team member can thrive and innovate.

Benefits for Full-Time* Employees Include:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• 401(k) with employer match
• Up to 18 company-paid holidays
• Paid time off (unlimited for salaried employees), sick time, and parental leave
• Tuition assistance program
• Wellness/Fitness reimbursement programs
• Vehicle lease subsidy or company car (for eligible employees only)
* Internships & Contractors excluded from Full-Time Employee benefits


MBRDNA is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and strongly supports diversity in the workforce. MBRDNA only accepts resumes from approved agencies who have a valid Agency Agreement on file. Please do not forward resumes to our applicant tracking system, MBRDNA employees, or send to any MBRDNA location.  MBRDNA is not responsible for any fees or claims related to receipt of unsolicited resumes.

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