Senior/Staff Machine Learning Engineer (Reinforcement Learning), Motion Planning
Hybrid Santa Clara Full-time Senior Machine Learning Engineering
At a glance
Senior Machine Learning Engineering role at PlusAI. Santa Clara · full-time · $130,000–$220,000 base.
SalaryStated by PlusAI
$130,000 – $220,000
Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.
This role, from PlusAIOur estimate for the market: $175,000–$217,750Median $213,600
The range includes the market median of $213,600 for senior machine learning engineering roles in Santa Clara.
Worked out from 5 postings that stated pay, median $213,600. Last updated Oct 3, 2026.
RoleMachine Learning Engineering
SenioritySenior
LocationSanta Clara
WorkplaceHybrid
EmploymentFull-time
Base pay$130,000–$220,000
PostedAug 27, 2026 · 8w ago
Role brief
aimlroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Build and deploy behavior-planning models with reinforcement learning, behavior cloning, or imitation learning
- Run the reinforcement-learning workflow from constructing environments through training and model development
- Improve infrastructure for distributed training at large scale
- Review training results, find model failure patterns, and improve performance across driving scenarios
- Work with simulation and planning teams to integrate learned models into driving systems
What you bring
- An MS or PhD in computer or software engineering, robotics, machine learning, or a related discipline
- Production software development experience with C/C++ and Python
- Hands-on experience with reinforcement learning and frameworks such as PyTorch
- Strong spoken and written communication skills
Who this fits
This role suits a senior or staff machine-learning engineer focused on reinforcement learning and motion planning. It is based in Santa Clara, United States, with a hybrid arrangement.
From the employer
PlusAI is a Physical AI company pioneering AI-based virtual driver software for factory-built autonomous trucks. Headquartered in Silicon Valley with operations in the United States and Europe, Plus was named by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Partners including TRATON GROUP’s Scania, MAN, and International brands, Hyundai Motor Company, Iveco Group, Bosch, and DSV are working with Plus to accelerate the deployment of next-generation autonomous trucks. If you’re ready to make a huge impact and drive the future of autonomy, Plus is looking for talented individuals to join its fast-growing teams.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and deploy learned behavior planning models using approaches such as reinforcement learning, behavior cloning, and imitation learning
- Own end-to-end Reinforcement Learning pipeline from environment construction, training, and modeling.
- Contribute to Reinforcement Learning Infrastructure to facilitate large-scale distributed training
- Track model training, analyze model performance, identify failure modes to improve generalization across driving scenarios
- Collaborate with simulation and planning teams to deploy learned behavior planning models to driving pipelines
Required skills
- MS or PhD in Computer/Software Engineering, Robotics, Machine Learning or related field.
- Experience developing production code in C/C++ and Python
- Experience with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch
- Experience with reinforcement learning
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
Preferred skills
- Experience with high-throughput batched driving simulators such as GPUDrive and PufferDrive
- Experience with self-play reinforcement learning
- Experience with sim-to-real in the context of robotics / autonomous driving
- Prior experience in learned behavior planning / prediction for autonomous vehicles