Controls/Robotics Intern

Terranova; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 38,572; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Flexible work schedule

Opportunity for hands-on projects

Job summary

A robotics startup is looking for a Mechatronics and Controls Intern in Berkeley, California. This role involves developing algorithms for intelligent robotic systems and requires an understanding of control theory and machine learning. Ideal candidates are pursuing a degree in Computer Science or Robotics and have a passion for building and integrating advanced technology. Compensation ranges from $20 to $28 per hour, plus relocation assistance and perks.

Qualifications

• Working towards a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field.
• U.S. permanent residency required.
• Experience with dynamic systems and control methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop and tune controllers for dynamic systems.
• Build and validate physical models for various testing.
• Train and deploy ML models for planning or control.
• Integrate algorithms with firmware and cloud systems.
• Profile and optimize performance under constraints.

Skills

Controller development (PID, MPC)

Machine learning model deployment

Python/C++ programming

LiDAR integration

Robotics and control theory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics or related field

Tools

PyTorch

ROS2

PCB design

Job description

Company Description

Backed by leading climate and American dynamism investors, Terranova builds intelligent robotic systems to terraform the Earth itself - lifting land, restoring wetlands, and protecting critical infrastructure from floods and sea-level rise.

Our mission is to preserve the built environment, create new habitats, and usher in an era of abundance. Our work supports climate resilience, disaster recovery, and defense across the United States and beyond.

We’re assembling a world-class team that wants to work on something real, physical, and civilization-scale. If you want your work to reshape the world (literally), this is the place to do it.

What to Expect

We’re seeking a mechatronics and controls intern to develop algorithms that give our robotic systems adaptive, intelligent behavior. You’ll design and tune controllers, build dynamic models, and integrate them with perception and sensor data. This is a chance to bridge classical control with modern machine learning to shape how machines move through the Earth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and tune controllers (PID, MPC, optimal/robust control) for dynamic, nonlinear systems.
• Build and validate physical models for simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and autonomy.
• Train and deploy ML models for perception, planning, or adaptive control (supervised or RL).
• Integrate algorithms with firmware and cloud teams, ensuring real-time safety and stability.
• Profile, optimize, and verify performance under latency, jitter, and compute constraints.
• Comfortable with the pace and intensity of early-stage startup life.
• Working towards a bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Robotics or related field.
• U.S. permanent residency required.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Lots of hobby/personal projects and evidence of being a maker.
• LiDAR integration and use.
• Python/C++ with PyTorch/JAX.
• MPC/OSQP/CasADi.
• EKF/UKF/factor graphs.
• System ID, RL (PPO/SAC) with safety shields.
• ROS2, ONNX/TensorRT.
• Latency and jitter profiling.
• PCB and embedded systems design skills are a huge bonus.

Compensation and Timeline

• $20-28/hr + relocation + company perks.
• Summer Internship from May-September depending on your school schedule.