Principal Applied Scientist, Last Mile Delivery Automation

We are seeking a Principal Applied Scientist to lead the development of our autonomous driving stack for last-mile delivery vehicles. In this role, you will drive technical innovation, architect advanced autonomous systems, and lead a team of researchers and engineers in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in autonomous delivery.



Key job responsibilities
As the Principal Applied Scientist, you will architect and evolve LMDA's autonomous driving stack for last-mile delivery vehicles. Your role involves driving research and development in key areas such as perception, prediction, planning, and control. You will develop novel algorithms and approaches to solve complex challenges in urban autonomous navigation. A critical aspect of your role will be leading system-level architecture decisions and setting technical direction for the autonomous systems team.

You will mentor and develop a team of scientists and engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. This involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams including hardware, safety, and operations to ensure seamless integration of autonomous systems. As a senior technical leader, you will represent LMDA's technical capabilities to partners, customers, and at industry conferences.

In this role, you will define and execute the technical roadmap for LMDA's autonomous systems. This includes identifying key research areas and technological advancements that will drive LMDA's competitive advantage. A crucial aspect of your role will be balancing long-term research goals with near-term product delivery needs.

You will lead the integration of various autonomous subsystems into a cohesive, performant stack. This includes developing and implementing strategies for optimizing system performance across hardware and software. You will also design and oversee testing and validation frameworks for autonomous systems.



About the team
Last Mile Delivery Automation (LMDA) is at the forefront of revolutionizing the logistics industry through advanced autonomous vehicle technology. Our mission is to create safe, efficient, and scalable autonomous solutions for last-mile delivery, reducing costs and environmental impact while improving delivery speed and reliability.

Basic Qualifications

The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field, with 10+ experience in developing autonomous systems, focusing on real-world deployment. You should possess deep expertise in multiple areas of autonomous systems including computer vision, machine learning, sensor fusion, motion planning, and control systems. A strong track record of leading complex technical projects and driving innovation in autonomous vehicle technology is essential. Experience with production deployment of autonomous systems in challenging environments is required. You should have excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences. A strong publication record in top-tier conferences/journals and a history of successful patent applications will be highly valued.

Preferred Qualifications

The role requires expert-level knowledge of C++, Python, and software development best practices. You should be proficient with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch, and robotics middleware such as ROS/ROS2. Experience with SLAM, deep learning-based perception, prediction algorithms, and motion planning is essential. Familiarity with hardware constraints and real-time systems in the context of autonomous vehicles is crucial. Understanding of safety-critical systems and relevant regulatory requirements for autonomous vehicles is necessary.



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