Pivotal is hiring an Autonomy Intern – Path Planning

Pivotal's Autonomy team develops advanced autonomy capabilities for our aircraft, enabling safe, precise, and reliable mission execution. We are seeking an Autonomy Intern – Path Planning to support the development of intelligent navigation and motion-planning algorithms for our autonomous robotic systems, specifically for the Helix platform. In this role, you will collaborate with autonomy and GNC engineers to design, implement, and evaluate planning algorithms that operate effectively in dynamic, real-world environments.

What You'll Do

• Design and implement path planning and trajectory generation algorithms for autonomous systems.
• Develop and evaluate motion planning solutions for our Helix platform in simulation and real-world environments.
• Integrate planning modules within robotics software frameworks such as ROS-based autonomy stacks.
• Work with perception and control modules to enable end-to-end autonomous navigation.
• Test and validate planning algorithms through simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and flight experiments.
• Analyze performance metrics and improve robustness, safety, and computational efficiency.
• Collaborate with engineers to deploy autonomy features onto our Helix platform.

What We're Looking For

• Currently pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong programming skills in C++ and/or Python, MATLAB.
• Knowledge of robot motion planning concepts (e.g., graph search, sampling-based planning, and trajectory optimization).
• Familiarity with robotics software frameworks such as ROS.
• Understanding robot kinematics, dynamics, and control basics.
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills.

Nice to Have

• Experience with UAV platforms or aerial robotics.
• Familiarity with the PX4 autopilot software stack.
• Hands-on experience integrating autonomy software with real hardware systems.
• Experience with planning algorithms such as: A*, D*, RRT / RRT*.
• Experience with simulation environments (e.g., Gazebo, AirSim).
• Familiarity with state estimation, mapping, or perception systems.
• Experience running field tests or flight experiments.

Technical Stack

• C++
• Python
• MATLAB
• ROS
• Gazebo
• AirSim
• PX4 autopilot software stack

Team & Environment

You will collaborate with autonomy and GNC engineers.

Work Mode

This is an onsite position based in Palo Alto, CA.

Pivotal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pivotal does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.