Senior Software Engineer – Motion Planning, Secondary Driving System

General Motors

. Develop and optimize production-grade C++ software across the Secondary Driving System stack .

Posted 10/1/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $170,600 - $261,300 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and optimizing C++ software for autonomous vehicles, with a strong focus on motion planning, controls algorithms, and integration with perception systems. Proven ability to apply software engineering best practices and mentor engineering teams in a collaborative environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

C++ Software DevelopmentMotion Planning and ControlsIntegration with Perception PipelinesSoftware Engineering Best PracticesCommunication and Collaboration Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

C++14/17 ProficiencyMotion Planning AlgorithmsTrajectory Generation and TrackingModel-Predictive ControlFeedback Control DesignData Analysis with PythonPerformance TuningAutomated TestingDebugging and AnalysisFunctional Safety Compliance

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsCollaboration Across DisciplinesMentoring and Leadership

Tools & Technologies

ROSGPU/Accelerator-Based ML InferenceTelemetry AnalysisContinuous Integration ToolsSimulation/HIL Testing

Industry Keywords

Autonomous VehiclesRoboticsReal-Time SystemsSafety-Critical SoftwareMinimal Risk Maneuver

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and optimize production-grade C++ software across the Secondary Driving System stack
Integrate ML-based perception, object detection, tracking, prediction, lane and road features with analytical planners and classical controllers
Design and implement motion-planning and controls algorithms for lane-keeping, obstacle avoidance, shoulder lane changes, and controlled stopping in Minimal Risk Maneuver scenarios
Define and implement interfaces with state estimation, mapping, localization, and autonomy management partners
Own features end-to-end from requirements clarification and design reviews through implementation, simulation/HIL bring-up, on-road testing, and metric- and driver-feedback-based iteration
Apply software engineering best practices including clean interfaces, code reviews, automated testing, continuous integration, performance profiling, and observability
Analyze and debug complex integration issues using logs, telemetry, and experiments
Partner with Safety and Systems Engineering on functional safety, redundancy, and Minimal Risk Maneuver requirements
Mentor and unblock other engineers through design discussions, code reviews, and example implementations

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent practical experience
3+ years of professional software engineering experience building production systems in robotics, autonomous vehicles, or complex real-time/control systems
Strong proficiency in modern C++ (C++14/17 or later)
Familiarity with Python for tooling, prototyping, and data analysis
Experience in motion planning and controls, including trajectory generation and tracking, optimal control/model-predictive control/trajectory optimization, feedback control design, and handling kinematic and dynamic constraints for ground vehicles
Experience integrating with perception and prediction pipelines
Track record of delivering reliable, high-quality autonomous or robotics software, including testing strategies, metrics, and performance tuning under latency/compute constraints
Strong communication and collaboration skills across ML, systems, platform, and safety disciplines
Passion for automated driving and robotics
Preferred: background in ROS or similar robotics middleware
Preferred: experience with safety-critical software or functional safety teams
Preferred: hands-on experience with GPU/accelerator-based ML inference, model deployment, and production performance optimization

Benefits

Comp & perks

Bonus potential through an incentive pay program based on company performance, job level, and individual performance
Medical, dental, and vision benefits
Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Accounts
Retirement savings plan
Sickness and accident benefits
Life insurance
Paid vacation and holidays
Tuition assistance programs
Employee assistance program
GM vehicle discounts
Relocation benefits for candidates who qualify under company policy