Job ID: LA230036218
Location: Detroit, MI
Category: Engineering
Employment Type: Permanent
Date Added: 04/16/2026
Lead Navigation & Controls Engineer | $150,000–$180,000 | Detroit, MI | Full-Time On-Site
What Matters Most
- 5+ years of experience developing navigation or control systems for mobile robots or autonomous systems
- Strong proficiency in C++ (C++14/17) with experience building real-time control systems
- Experience with path planning algorithms (e.g., Hybrid A*, RRT, lattice-based planning)
- Experience with control systems such as MPC, LQR, Pure Pursuit, or PID
- Deep understanding of robotics kinematics and dynamics, particularly for mobile platforms
- Hands-on experience with ROS2 and navigation frameworks
- Relocation assistance available
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
- Join a fast-growing robotics team shaping the future of automation
Job Description for Lead Navigation & Controls Engineer
This Lead Navigation & Controls Engineer will own the full motion stack for advanced mobile robotic systems, including path planning, trajectory optimization, and real-time control execution. This role requires deep expertise in C++, ROS2/Nav2, and control systems such as MPC and PID to develop smooth, reliable navigation in dynamic environments. As a technical leader, you will guide a small team while designing dynamics-aware solutions that account for variables like payload, friction, and system constraints. The position combines hands-on development with leadership, ensuring solutions are production-ready and scalable. You will also support real-world deployment and troubleshooting to ensure optimal system performance in live environments.
This Lead Navigation & Controls Engineer will own the full motion stack for advanced mobile robotic systems, including path planning, trajectory optimization, and real-time control execution. This role requires deep expertise in C++, ROS2/Nav2, and control systems such as MPC and PID to develop smooth, reliable navigation in dynamic environments. As a technical leader, you will guide a small team while designing dynamics-aware solutions that account for variables like payload, friction, and system constraints. The position combines hands-on development with leadership, ensuring solutions are production-ready and scalable. You will also support real-world deployment and troubleshooting to ensure optimal system performance in live environments.
Responsibilities for Lead Navigation & Controls Engineer
- Lead and mentor a small engineering team focused on navigation and controls
- Architect scalable and high-performance robotics motion systems
- Analyze system performance and continuously improve trajectory accuracy and efficiency
- Identify and resolve real-world robotics challenges including motion instability and environmental variability
- Drive technical decision-making and influence product roadmap related to navigation systems
- Ensure solutions are robust, production-ready, and optimized for real-world deployment
- Collaborate with software, hardware, and operations teams to deliver integrated solutions
Additional Requirements
- Proficiency in Python for prototyping, analysis, and tooling
- Ability to troubleshoot and debug systems in real-world environments
- Strongly Preferred
- Experience with trajectory optimization or model predictive control frameworks
- Background working with heavy or industrial mobile robotic systems
- Experience developing or customizing ROS2/Nav2 plugins
- Familiarity with robotics simulation tools such as Gazebo or Isaac Sim
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive compensation package including base salary and potential equity
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge robotics technology with real-world impact
- Collaborative, high-performing engineering environment
- Career growth in a rapidly scaling organization
- Exposure to advanced robotics applications across major industrial environments
Your New Organization
This organization is an innovative robotics company focused on developing advanced autonomous solutions for industrial and logistics environments. With a strong emphasis on real-world deployment and performance, the company is building next-generation systems that operate efficiently in complex, dynamic settings. The team is highly technical, collaborative, and driven by solving challenging engineering problems that directly impact customers at scale.
This organization is an innovative robotics company focused on developing advanced autonomous solutions for industrial and logistics environments. With a strong emphasis on real-world deployment and performance, the company is building next-generation systems that operate efficiently in complex, dynamic settings. The team is highly technical, collaborative, and driven by solving challenging engineering problems that directly impact customers at scale.
Your Career Partner
The Reserves Network, a veteran-founded and family-owned company, specializes in connecting exceptional talent with rewarding opportunities. With extensive industry experience, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your professional goals and shine in your field. The Reserves Network values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. As an equal-opportunity employer, we foster an environment of respect, integrity, and trust in every aspect of employment.
The Reserves Network, a veteran-founded and family-owned company, specializes in connecting exceptional talent with rewarding opportunities. With extensive industry experience, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your professional goals and shine in your field. The Reserves Network values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. As an equal-opportunity employer, we foster an environment of respect, integrity, and trust in every aspect of employment.
The base salary range for this position is $150K-$180K annually, excluding benefits, bonuses, or other compensation. Final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, and experience.
