Foundation
Automotive & MobilityDirect Rippling career site

Planning Engineer

Pay
$175,000 – $300,000 per year
Location
San Francisco, CA · On-site
Job type
Full-time
Level
Mid-level
Education
Master's degree
Listed
30 days ago

Skills & highlights for this role

  • motion planning algorithms
  • ROS2
  • C++
  • vehicle dynamics and path-following control

Also useful

  • Python
  • point cloud and occupancy representations
  • ADAS/AD systems

Stated benefits & perks

  • Health
  • Vision
  • Dental
  • 401k

Who should join

You deeply believe that this is the most important mission for humanity and needs to happen yesterday.

You are highly technical - regardless of the role you are in. We are building technology; you need to understand technology well.

You care about aesthetics and design inside out. If it's not the best product ever, it bothers you, and you need to “fix” it.

You don't need someone to motivate you; you get things done.

Why We Are Hiring for This Role

  • Set short and long term direction for planning architecture and priorities.
  • Design and implement motion planning algorithms for off-road ATV navigation.
  • Integrate waypoints, obstacle avoidance, and terrain constraints into safe, drivable paths.
  • Tune and validate control parameters for robust performance on rough, off-road terrain.
  • Design test scenarios and evaluate planning algorithms in both simulation and field environments.
  • Set real-time replanning policies and continuity rules so behavior remains stable as conditions change.
  • Generate speed profiles from curvature, visibility, slope, and surface quality; respect slow/no-go zones and grade limits.
  • Collaborate with vehicle engineering to create an integrated system, including sensor/compute selection and integration.
  • Implement state-of-the-art approaches to trajectory planning, route planning, and real-time control.

What Kind of Person We Are Looking For

  • Strong background in robotics, controls, or related fields (MSc or equivalent experience).
  • Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree candidate in Computer Science, Math, Electrical.
  • Hands-on experience with motion planning algorithms.
  • Proficiency in ROS2, C++, Python, internal middleware, and point cloud / occupancy representations, map / cost representations.
  • Solid grasp of vehicle dynamics and path-following control.
  • Comfort with real-world testing and debugging on robotic platforms.
  • Experience integrating autonomy stacks on real robotic vehicles (not just simulation).
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a bias toward practical, field-ready solutions over theory.
  • Understanding of ADAS/AD systems and vehicle dynamics is a plus

Benefits

We provide market standard benefits (health, vision, dental, 401k, and equity, etc.). Join us for the culture and the mission, not for the benefits.

Salary

The annual compensation is expected to be between $175,000 - $300,000. Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience.

  • About Company ---

About Foundation

Foundation is developing the future of general purpose robotics and electric mobility with the goal to save lives and augment human labor.

Our mission is to create an autonomous, crewless ATV built to be truly all-terrain. Designed for commercial and defense use, it can save lives and take on heavy transport across mining, agriculture, construction, and more.

We are on the lookout for extraordinary engineers and scientists to join our team. Your previous experience in robotics isn't a prerequisite — it's your talent and determination that truly count.

We expect that many of our team members will bring diverse perspectives from various industries and fields. We are looking for individuals with a proven record of exceptional ability and a history of creating things that work.

Our Culture

We like to be frank and honest about who we are, so that people can decide for themselves if this is a culture they resonate with.

Read the original posting

From Foundation's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on October 10, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.

How Rolev.ai helps with this application

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Planning Engineer role at Foundation?

The Planning Engineer posting at Foundation states compensation of $175,000 – $300,000 per year. It is listed as a full-time position. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on Foundation's official career site.

Where is the Planning Engineer job at Foundation located?

This Planning Engineer position at Foundation is located in San Francisco, CA (On-site). Always check Foundation's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.

What qualifications are required for Planning Engineer at Foundation?

For the Planning Engineer role, Foundation highlights a master's degree; experience with motion planning algorithms, ROS2, C++, vehicle dynamics and path-following control. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.

How do I apply for the Planning Engineer position at Foundation?

This listing links directly to Foundation's Rippling application page. You can apply directly on Foundation's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Rippling application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.