Autonomy Engineer - Motion Planning & Controls
Tycho.AI · Cambridge, MA
Extracted from the posting
Motion planning and controls role designing trajectory optimization and flight control software for autonomous vehicles, with prototyping alongside electrical, mechanical, and software teams. Stack is C/C++ with MPC, real-time multi-threaded systems, and rotorcraft or fixed-wing flight dynamics.
About Tycho.AI
Tycho.AI is redefining the future of autonomous intelligence. Spun out of MIT and backed by DoD contracts, we are building breakthrough AI and autonomy solutions for unmanned systems operating in GPS-denied and contested environments. We are a fast-growing, dual-use technology company at the forefront of national security and commercial innovation, with a mission to push the boundaries of what autonomous systems can achieve.
Joining Tycho.AI means being part of a team shaping the next decade of autonomy from defense applications to commercial opportunities in areas like logistics, disaster response, and beyond. If you want to work at the cutting edge of AI/ML and robotics with a company that’s poised for major impact and growth, we want to hear from you.
About the Role
As an Autonomy Engineer - Motion Planning & Controls at Tycho.AI, you will design, build, and validate motion planning and control systems for intelligent autonomous vehicles. You will collaborate with a cross-functional team of electrical, mechanical, and software experts to explore new concepts through rapid, iterative prototyping. We are seeking adaptable engineers who collaborate effectively across disciplines, brainstorm innovative ideas, and navigate through emerging embedded technologies. Most importantly, you should have a proven ability to drive a concept through the prototype phase and excel in hardware/software co-development.
Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and maintain autonomy software for motion planning, trajectory optimization, and flight control.
- Integrate systems into real-world platforms, bridging research and production.
- Stay current on research and apply state-of-the-art techniques.
Requirements
- Master’s or PhD degree in Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field; or equivalent working experience.
- Proficiency in C/C++ with experience shipping production-grade software.
- Strong foundation in modern control system design, including MPC.
- Experience developing and implementing motion planning and trajectory optimization systems.
- Working understanding rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft flight dynamics.
- Hands-on experience implementing motion planning and control software on real robotics vehicles.
- Comfortable developing and reasoning about multi-threaded real-time systems.
Nice to Have
- Familiarity with learned motion planning and/or data-driven trajectory improvement techniques.
- Familiarity with high-speed vehicle planning or multi-agent trajectory optimization.
- Experience working with embedded robotics platforms, such as NVIDIA Jetson.
- Experience writing microcontroller code, e.g., on STM32.
- Experience building vehicle dynamics simulations based on flight test data.
- Familiarity with open-source flight control systems, such as Ardupilot and PX4.
- Background in convex and nonlinear optimization.
Why Tycho.AI
- Be part of a rapidly scaling startup defining the future of autonomous intelligence.
- Collaborative, high-trust culture that values innovation, execution, and continuous learning.
- Competitive salary, meaningful equity, and generous benefits package.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:
Tycho.AI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or protected veteran status.
E-Verify and Right to Work
Tycho.AI participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization in the United States. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. and may be subject to a government security clearance process.
