AI Hiring Index

Motional · Engineering · Staff+ · Posted 2026-06-03

Principal Engineer

Motional · Remote U.S. · $240k–330k base

This range's midpoint is above 79% of posted engineering ranges at AI companies right now. Compare it with every posted range at Motional by level, and at 281 other AI companies, in the AI Salary Report, US$29 once, or see the free salary index.

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On our Behaviors team (Prediction and ML Planner), you will have the opportunity to work with world-class ML engineers, whose mission is to make self-driving vehicles a reality and to create a positive social impact. The Behaviors team develops ML models that learn how different agents navigate complex real-world traffic scenarios. We leverage these models to set the behavior of our self-driving vehicle, and predict the behavior of other agents such as vehicles and vulnerable road users. 

We are looking for proven leaders and technical experts who are passionate about Level 4 autonomous driving technology, excited by intellectual challenges, and interested in pursuing career growth with a fast-growing company.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Define and execute motion planning and prediction projects that improve our self-driving vehicles’ capability to safely, comfortably and legally navigate complex traffic scenarios

Design and lead the implementation of behavior models that leverage the latest advancements in machine learning, generative AI and reinforcement learning

Productionize and deploy solutions onto autonomous vehicle fleets

Collaborate with perception, simulation, data platform and integration teams to validate and enhance your products’ on-road performance

Communicate strategies, progress and challenges to executive leadership

What We’re Looking for:

Masters or Ph.D. in Computer Science or a related technical field; or equivalent industry experience

Proven leadership skills at executing large, complex technical initiatives

Experience with deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch

Fluency in Python, including standard scientific computing libraries

Proven track record of designing, developing and deploying ML solutions for autonomous vehicles or robotics

Advanced knowledge of software engineering principles including software design, source control management, build processes, code reviews, testing methods 

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Bonus Points:

Experience with embedded systems and real-time optimization, especially in the autonomous driving industry

Experience with state of the art generative AI, and/or reinforcement learning, paradigms

Proven track record of publications in relevant conferences (CVPR, ICML, NeurIPS, ICCV, ICL, etc.)

Strong programming skills in C++ and/or CUDA programming

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors including but not limited to specific skills, experience and expertise, role location, certifications, licenses, and business needs. The estimated compensation range listed in this job posting reflects base salary only. This role may include additional forms of compensation such as a bonus or company equity. 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. 

Candidates for certain positions are eligible to participate in Motional’s benefits program. Motional’s benefits include but are not limited to medical, dental, vision, 401k with a company match, health saving accounts, life insurance, pet insurance, and more.

Salary Range $240,000 — $330,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors including but not limited to specific skills, experience and expertise, role location, certifications, licenses, and business needs. The estimated compensation range listed in this job posting reflects base salary only. This role may include additional forms of compensation such as a bonus or company equity. 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. 

Candidates for certain positions are eligible to participate in Motional’s benefits program. Motional’s benefits include but are not l …

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