Controls Engineer

Human Computer Lab; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Human Computer Lab in San Francisco is seeking a controls/mechatronics engineer to oversee systems that animate robots. You'll design control systems, integrate sensors and actuators, and debug hardware. A Master's or PhD in robotics or related fields is essential, alongside proficiency in C++ or Python. The role calls for collaborative work across disciplines, making the robot's motion intuitive and expressive. We're an equal opportunity employer welcoming all talent, regardless of background.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience tuning control systems on real robotic hardware.
• Experience with actuators, motor drivers, encoders, and IMUs.
• Embedded programming experience in a controls context.

Responsibilities

• Design and tune control systems for actuated subsystems.
• Integrate actuators, sensors, and embedded electronics.
• Develop control algorithms from simulation to hardware implementation.

Skills

Control systems tuning

C++

Python

Hardware debugging

ROS/ROS2

CAD tools (SolidWorks, Onshape)

Sensor fusion

Actuator integration

Education

Masters/PhD in robotics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering

Tools

URDF models

Gazebo

Oscilloscopes

Job description

Join us

Human Computer Lab is building robots that feel alive and responsive. We are a fast-paced and focused team, with the goal of pushing the frontier of human-robot interaction by making technology more legible, emotionally intuitive, and intentional.

What to expect

We’re looking for a controls/mechatronics engineer who wants to own the systems that make LeLamp move, respond, and feel alive. You’ll work at the intersection of hardware and software, designing and tuning control systems, integrating actuators and sensors, and debugging real hardware at the bench to translate intent into expressive motion. This is a high-ownership role working closely with the CEO and founding team across the full mechatronic stack, from low-level motor control and sensor fusion through to the higher-level behaviors that make the robot feel responsive and intentional in the real world.

In this role, you will:

• Design and tune control systems for actuated subsystems including motion control, feedback, and dynamic response.
• Integrate actuators, sensors, encoders, and embedded electronics into reliable mechatronic assemblies.
• Develop control algorithms in C++ and/or Python from simulation through deployment on hardware.
• Build and maintain URDF models and simulation environments aligned with the physical platform.
• Diagnose real-world control issues such as instability, backlash, latency, drift, and sensor noise.
• Collaborate with animators, mechanical and electrical engineers on actuator selection, structure, sensing strategy and motion fine-tuning.
• Develop motion primitives and expressive behaviors that shape how the robot moves.
• Maintain documentation of control architecture and tuning decisions as the system evolves.

You may be a good fit if you:

• Have a Masters/PhD (or equivalent experience) in robotics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Have hands‑on experience tuning control systems on real robotic hardware.
• Are fluent in C++ and/or Python for robotics or embedded control work.
• Have experience with ROS or ROS2 and real‑time robotics software stacks.
• Are comfortable working with CAD tools such as SolidWorks or Onshape.
• Have experience with actuators, motor drivers, encoders, and IMUs across the full signal chain.
• Are strong at hardware debugging using tools like oscilloscopes and signal tracing.
• Have experience building URDF models and working with simulators such as Gazebo, MuJoCo, or Isaac Sim.
• Are comfortable working in environments where system architecture is still evolving.
• Have experience with impedance control, torque control, or whole‑body control on physical robots.
• Have experience with sensor fusion, state estimation, or Kalman filtering on hardware systems.
• Have embedded programming experience on microcontrollers or DSPs in a controls context.
• Have experience shaping expressive or character‑driven robot motion.

You will be a strong fit, if you:

• Are drawn to the physical reality of robotics. You want to see the system move, not just pass a simulation.
• Move quickly through iteration cycles and don't wait for perfect conditions to make progress.
• Take ownership over the feel of the robot's motion, not just its correctness.
• Work well in small, collaborative teams where controls, mechanical, and electrical are in constant conversation.
• Care about the person on the other end, and understand that how the robot moves is a big part of how it feels to live with.

The early team becomes the DNA of the company. We set ourselves and others to a high standard, and we respond with kindness when things get hard but keep everyone accountable. This requires us to be curious, creative, and diverse in our thinking and approach.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Even if you don’t meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. Studies show that women and underrepresented groups often hold back unless they meet 100% of the criteria - we don’t want that to be the reason we miss out on great talent.