Motion Planning & Control Engineer

Constructor Labs
Luxembourg
Hybrid

Who this role is best for

Best suited to engineers with advanced degrees in control theory and robotics, working in autonomous racing and automotive R&D.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with advanced degrees in control engineering and hands-on experience in autonomous racing projects
    — “An MSc or PhD in Robotics, Control Engineering, Autonomous Systems, Automotive Engineering, or a closely related field.”
  • Individuals who have developed and tested motion planning algorithms in simulation and real-world robotic systems
    — “Experience implementing and testing algorithms in simulation and, ideally, on real robotic platforms or vehicles.”
  • Engineers with a strong background in nonlinear Model Predictive Control (MPC) and trajectory optimization
    — “Research experience focused on nonlinear MPC, trajectory optimization, or sampling-based motion planning.”

Things to consider

  • The role involves international travel for track testing and racing events.
    — “Hands-on involvement in real-world testing and international racing events, with opportunities to travel to locations such as Abu Dhabi and Shanghai.”
  • Candidates must be fluent in English and capable of working in an international team.
    — “Fluent English and the ability to collaborate in an international engineering team.”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with nonlinear MPC and real-time system implementation in your resume and interviews.
    — “Develop and optimize advanced motion control algorithms, focusing on nonlinear Model Predictive Control (MPC), using C++ and ROS 2 to ensure reliable, real-time performance on our autonomous race car.”
  • Showcase your ability to validate algorithms through simulation and real-world testing.
    — “Validate and refine algorithms through simulation and real-world testing, ensuring a smooth transition from virtual environments to on-track deployment.”
  • Emphasize collaboration on automotive R&D projects and technology transfer to industry applications.
    — “Collaborate on cutting-edge automotive R&D projects, adapting and transferring autonomous racing technologies to real-world automotive applications.”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • developed and optimized motion planning and control algorithms
  • improved vehicle performance, stability, and reliability
  • contributed to transferring autonomous racing technologies to real-world automotive applications
Typical background
MSc or PhD in Robotics, Control Engineering, Autonomous Systems, Automotive Engineering

Skills & requirements

Required

Motion PlanningControl TheoryRoboticsVehicle DynamicsNonlinear Model Predictive Control (mpc)ROS 2

Preferred

Model Predictive Path Integral (mppi) ControlZone-based Planning Approaches

Stack & domain

C++ROS 2Model Predictive Control (mpc)Model Predictive Path Integral (mppi) ControlZone-based Planning ApproachesCollaborationProblem-solvingCommunicationAutonomous SystemsRoboticsVehicle Dynamics

About the role

Original posting from Constructor Labs via Greenhouse

About us 

Constructor Labs is the research arm of Constructor Knowledge, based at Campus Ring 1 in Bremen, Germany. Our work is organized around three units: Knowledge Labs, Cyber Labs and Science Labs. We apply computing, software and robotics research to make scientists, teachers and students more effective, working with institutional partners that include CERN, NUS, Carnegie Mellon and Fraunhofer.

Our EdTech practice produces research that runs in production. AI-supported remote proctoring is in use at the Irish Aviation Authority, Princess Nourah University and Saudi Electronic University, and our course delivery platform is used by CERN, EPFL, MariaDB and Acronis. For industry clients, we build tailored BSc, MSc and PhD pipelines, L&D operating models, AI upskilling programmes and customer training systems.

Constructor Autonomous Racing builds the driving software for a full-size autonomous race car. We race in the A2RL (Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League). We also work with automotive partners to transfer our technology to road cars. Our R&D projects include emergency obstacle avoidance, ADAS and an AI driving coach (Racing Coach).

About the Role

We're looking for a Motion Planning & Control Engineer to join our autonomous racing team and help develop the algorithms that enable a full-size race car to navigate the track autonomously at high speeds.

In this role, you'll work at the intersection of control theory, robotics, and vehicle dynamics, developing and optimizing motion planning and control algorithms for real-world racing conditions. You'll be involved throughout the development cycle, from mathematical modelling and simulation to implementation, testing, and validation on the actual race car.

You'll work closely with the engineering team to improve vehicle performance, stability, and reliability, with opportunities to see your solutions tested during track sessions and international racing events.

Beyond autonomous racing, you'll also contribute to transferring our technology into real-world automotive applications, including advanced driver assistance systems and emergency obstacle avoidance.

What you'll do

Develop and optimize advanced motion control algorithms, focusing on nonlinear Model Predictive Control (MPC), using C++ and ROS 2 to ensure reliable, real-time performance on our autonomous race car.

Design, develop, and validate vehicle dynamics models, including system identification, to support accurate motion control, trajectory planning, and simulation.

Contribute to the development and improvement of motion planning algorithms, including MPC-based path planning, Model Predictive Path Integral (MPPI) control, and zone-based planning approaches.

Validate and refine algorithms through simulation and real-world testing, ensuring a smooth transition from virtual environments to on-track deployment.

Participate in track testing sessions and international racing events, supporting vehicle operations, troubleshooting technical challenges, and analyzing performance data to continuously improve our autonomous driving systems.

Collaborate on cutting-edge automotive R&D projects, adapting and transferring autonomous racing technologies to real-world automotive applications, including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and emergency obstacle avoidance.

What we're looking for

An MSc or PhD in Robotics, Control Engineering, Autonomous Systems, Automotive Engineering, or a closely related field.

Hands-on experience with Model Predictive Control (MPC), ideally through a master's thesis, PhD research, or autonomous racing project.

Practical programming experience with C++, Python, ROS/ROS 2, and Linux.

Experience developing motion planning or control algorithms for autonomous vehicles or mobile robotic systems.

A solid understanding of control theory, vehicle dynamics, and motion planning principles.

Experience implementing and testing algorithms in simulation and, ideally, on real robotic platforms or vehicles.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an interest in applying research to real-world autonomous racing challenges.

Fluent English and the ability to collaborate in an international engineering team.

Nice to have

Participation in Formula Student Driverless, A2RL, Indy Autonomous Challenge, F1TENTH, or similar autonomous racing competitions.

Research experience focused on nonlinear MPC, trajectory optimization, or sampling-based motion planning.

Familiarity with vehicle dynamics modelling, tyre modelling, and system identification.

Experience with drive-by-wire systems and CAN communication protocols.

What we offer

The opportunity to work on cutting-edge autonomous racing technology, contributing directly to the development and performance of a full-size autonomous race car.

Hands-on involvement in real-world testing and international racing events, with opportunities to travel to locations such as Abu Dhabi and Shanghai.

A Luxembourg-based position with a hybrid working arrangement, combining engineering development with practical testing activities.

Vacation days 25

Relocation package if you live outside of Luxembourg

Language classes

Newborn bonus

Source: Constructor Labs careers (Greenhouse)

Similar roles

More roles at Constructor Labs