Senior Robotics Controls Engineer

Pronto

San Francisco (CA)

On-site

USD 176,000 - 240,000

Full time

7 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

401(k)

Equity

Paid time off

Parental leave

Pre-Tax commuter benefits

Team lunch in SoMa

Job summary

Atoms is seeking a Robotics Controls Engineer to develop and maintain core control systems for autonomous haul trucks in mining environments. You will work on localization, path following, longitudinal and lateral control for 200+ ton vehicles, collaborating with perception, planning and hardware teams to deliver robust, production-grade software.

The role requires strong foundations in classical control and state estimation, plus hands-on experience deploying localization and controls on

Qualifications

BS/MS/PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field required.
3+ years of professional software development experience.
Strong foundation in classical control theory (PID, lead/lag compensation, stability analysis).
Experience with state estimation (Kalman filters, EKF/UKF).
Proficiency in Python and NumPy/SciPy for numerical computing.
Understanding of vehicle dynamics and kinematics.
Ability to read and debug real-time control code.
Experience deploying localization and controls algorithms on real-world systems.
Experience with Model Predictive Control (MPC).
Familiarity with path following algorithms (Stanley, Pure Pursuit).
Background in signal processing and filter design.
Knowledge of system identification techniques.
Experience with heavy equipment or off-highway vehicles.
Knowledge of CAN bus and vehicle interfaces.
ROS or similar robotics middleware experience.
Familiarity with modern ML techniques for controls problems.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and tune control algorithms for autonomous vehicle systems.
Build Localization & State Estimation, Longitudinal Control, Lateral and Control Navigation.
Develop state estimation pipelines that fuse multiple sensor modalities.
Analyze system performance through simulation and field testing.
Debug control issues using logged data and identify root causes.
Collaborate with perception, planning, and hardware teams to integrate control systems.
Write production-quality Python code that runs reliably and efficiently.
Travel note: This role requires periodic travel to customer sites (up to 15%).
Schedule note: Some schedule flexibility may be required during deployments.

Skills

Software development

Classical control

State estimation

Python & NumPy

Vehicle dynamics

Real-time control

Localization deployment

Model Predictive Control

Path following

Signal processing

System identification

Heavy equipment exposure

CAN bus

ROS

ML for controls

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Robotics, Mechanical/Electrical/Aerospace engineering or related field

Job description

Who We Are

Atoms is building the machines that power the next era of progress.

Over the last decade, software has transformed the digital world. But the physical world, where food is made, minerals are mined, goods are moved, and industries are run, remains far less intelligent, far less efficient, and far more constrained. We’re changing that.

Atoms builds Physical AI— real-world robots for the industries that move civilization forward, starting with food, mining, and transport. Our systems are designed to understand, predict, and control the real world with precision, turning complex physical operations into something more reliable, more scalable, and more productive.

This work requires more than robotics. It requires deep integration across hardware, software, AI, operations, manufacturing, and real estate. We don’t just build machines in a lab. We deploy them into real environments, operate them, learn from them, and improve them until they work at scale.

We are roboticists, engineers, operators, and builders. We believe the next great technology companies will not only transform information, but the physical systems that shape everyday life.

If you want to work on hard problems with real-world impact, join us.

What You’ll Do

We're looking for a Robotics Controls Engineer to develop and maintain the core control systems that enable autonomous haul trucks to operate safely in mining environments. You'll work on localization, path following, longitudinal control, and steering systems that run on 200+ ton vehicles. Responsibilities include the following:

Design, implement, and tune control algorithms for autonomous vehicle systems
Build Localization & State Estimation, Longitudinal Control, Lateral and Control Navigation.
Develop state estimation pipelines that fuse multiple sensor modalities
Analyze system performance through simulation and field testing
Debug control issues using logged data and identify root causesli>
Collaborate with perception, planning, and hardware teams to integrate control systems
Write production-quality Python code that runs reliably and efficiently
Travel note: This role requires periodic travel to customer sites (up to 15%)
Schedule note: Some schedule flexibility may be required during deployments

What We’re Looking For

BS/MS/PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field required
3+ years of professional (non-internship) software development experience
Strong foundation in classical control theory (PID, lead/lag compensation, stability analysis)
Experience with state estimation (Kalman filters, EKF/UKF)
Proficiency in Python and NumPy/SciPy for numerical computing
Understanding of vehicle dynamics and kinematics
Ability to read and debug real-time control code
Experience deploying localization and controls algorithms on real-world systems
Experience with Model Predictive Control (MPC)
Familiarity with path following algorithms (Stanley, Pure Pursuit)
Background in signal processing and filter design
Knowledge of system identification techniquesli>
Experience with heavy equipment or off-highway vehicles
Knowledge of CAN bus and vehicle interfaces
ROS or similar robotics middleware experience
Familiarity with modern ML techniques for controls problems

Technical Environment

Languages: Python (primary), C++ (optimization-critical paths)
Libraries: NumPy, SciPy
Hardware: NVIDIA Jetson, GPS/RTK, IMUs, CAN interfaces
Testing: Field testing on haul trucks, log replay, simulation

Why join us

At Atoms, you’ll work on one of the defining challenges of our time—bringing automation into the physical world to drive real, lasting impact. We exist to uncover valuable unknown truths and turn them into progress, which means constantly pushing beyond what’s known and building what doesn’t yet exist. The work is ambitious and often challenging, but it’s grounded in a shared sense of purpose and a team committed to seeing it through together. Our work only matters if it serves others, and we know that meaningful progress depends on the trust of the people we serve and the strength of our team—so we invest in both, creating an environment where you can do your best work and grow.

What Else You Need To Know

This role is based in our San Francisco office location. As a company driven by innovation and continuous change, close collaboration is essential. We’re constantly reimagining our industry, creating new products, and refining our processes, and we do our best work together. That’s why all of our office-based teams work onsite, five days a week.

The base salary range for this role is $176,000 - $240,000 per year.

Actual compensation will be determined on an individual basis and may vary depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for equity awards.

Benefits Summary (USA Full-Time Exempt Employees)