Principal Engineer, Behavior Understanding and Evaluation

Mission Summary:

The Behavior Understanding and Evaluation team at Motional is dedicated to comprehending and assessing the intricate behavior of the Motional Vehicle. To prepare for unprecedented scale, it's paramount that we leverage automated algorithms to thoroughly understand and evaluate our vehicles' performance, both in real-world deployment and within simulated environments.

We aim to employ cutting-edge machine learning techniques in our evaluation processes, ensuring we can scale effectively to meet Motional's ambitious goals. Our collaborative approach extends across various teams, providing critical insights and actionable metrics to those developing the onboard software and enhancing the rider experience. We are responsible for building and operating robust, large-scale machine learning and data systems, alongside sophisticated simulation workflows and insightful diagnostic tools. By combining expert human judgment with advanced machine learning models, we generate essential training and evaluation data for the Motional driver.

We are seeking passionate researchers and software engineers to join us in building production-grade machine learning evaluation systems for autonomous vehicles - people who are driven to transform complex data into measurable progress toward a safer, smarter transportation future.

What you’ll do:

• Define the strategic direction for the development and application of machine learning-driven evaluation methodologies for autonomous driving.

• Optimize large-scale evaluation infrastructure to ensure scalability.

• Partner cross-functionally with Behaviors, Actions, Simulation, System Engineering, Research, and other Onboard/Offboard Software Teams on evaluation strategies.

• Upgrade evaluation pipelines by enhancing existing Heuristic and Event based processes with learned methods

• Uphold scientific and statistical rigor in the application of embodied AI.

• Pioneer the definition and implementation of key evaluation metrics and reward functions, , driving autonomy performance across safety, comfort, and assertiveness.

• Align stakeholders around clear evaluation objectives and priorities.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience in establishing and executing evaluation strategies.

• A strong foundation in scientific and statistical methodologies.

• Expertise in Machine Learning and Deep Learning.

• At least 3 years of experience leading and scaling large-scale data and evaluation systems.

• Proficiency in crafting data-driven reports and technical strategy documents for executive decision-making.

• Technical leadership experience, including hands-on involvement in the development of large-scale AI or VLM/LLM systems.

Ideally, you also have:

• Experience in mentoring and leadership development.

• A background in shaping product roadmaps.

• Familiarity with Reinforcement Learning (RL) with Human Feedback.

• Specialized expertise in creating expansive datasets.

• Experience with large-scale global consumer products.

We encourage a hybrid schedule with in-office time at one of our locations in Boston, Pittsburgh, or Las Vegas to support collaboration, or this role can be fully remote.

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
$175,000—$234,250 USD

Motional is a driverless technology company making autonomous vehicles a safe, reliable, and accessible reality. We’re driven by something more.

Our journey is always people first.

We aren't just developing driverless cars; we're creating safer roadways, more equitable transportation options, and making our communities better places to live, work, and connect. Our team is made up of engineers, researchers, innovators, dreamers and doers, who are creating a technology with the potential to transform the way we move.

Higher purpose, greater impact.

We’re creating first-of-its-kind technology that will transform transportation. To do so successfully, we must design for everyone in our cities and on our roads. We believe in building a great place to work through a progressive, global culture that is diverse, inclusive, and ensures people feel valued at every level of the organization. Diversity helps us to see the world differently; it’s not only good for our business, it’s the right thing to do.

Scale up, not starting up.

Our team is behind some of the industry's largest leaps forward, including the first fully-autonomous cross-country drive in the U.S, the launch of the world's first robotaxi pilot, and operation of the world's longest-standing public robotaxi fleet. We’re driven to scale; we’re moving towards commercialization of our technology, and we need team members who are ready to embrace change and challenges.

Formed as a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv, Motional is fundamentally changing how people move through their lives. Headquartered in Boston, Motional has operations in the U.S and Asia. For more information, visit www.Motional.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Motional AD Inc. is an EOE. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To comply with Federal Law, we participate in E-Verify. All newly-hired employees are queried through this electronic system established by the DHS and the SSA to verify their identity and employment eligibility.