Senior Robotics Controls Engineer

ATOMS Careers page; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 176,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, &

401(k)

Job summary

Pronto AI is seeking a Robotics Controls Engineer in San Francisco to develop core control systems for autonomous haul trucks. You will work on localization, path following, and steering with 200+ ton vehicles, collaborating across perception, planning, and hardware teams.

Required are 7+ years in software, strong control theory, and experience with state estimation. Role is onsite five days a week in SF, with occasional field deployments and travel.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Robotics, Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering or related field required.
• 7+ years of professional software development experience.
• Experience deploying localization and controls algorithms on real-world systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and tune control algorithms for autonomous vehicle systems.
• Build Localization & State Estimation, Longitudinal Control, Lateral and 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 up to 15% to customer sites.

Skills

Python

C++

State estimation

Control theory

Model Predictive Control

Path following

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Robotics or Engineering

Tools

ROS

NVIDIA Jetson

GPS/RTK

IMU

CAN interfaces

Job description

Who we are

Pronto AI is a global leader in commercializing autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, deploying Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS) that automate operations in mines, quarries, and construction sites worldwide. While much of the industry remains in R&D, we deliver real, production‑ready autonomy that is already operating in the field.

We are on a mission to make mining operations safer, smarter, and more efficient through cutting‑edge technology, and we are building toward becoming the world’s first profitable AV technology company.

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 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

What we’re looking for

• BS/MS/PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field required
• 7+ 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 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

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
• Work on real, production‑deployed autonomy.
• Build technology that directly improves safety, efficiency, and productivity.
• Tackle complex challenges in demanding, real‑world environments.
• Be part of a fast‑moving team with high ownership and impact.
• See your work deployed and making a difference in the field.
• Collaborate closely with experienced engineers and industry operators.

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.

Base salary range: $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 and an annual performance‑based bonus.

Benefits Summary (USA Full‑Time Exempt Employees)

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account Options
• 401(k)
• Equity
• Sick Time, Unlimited Flexible Time Off, and Paid Holidays
• Team lunch in our SoMa office every Tuesday and Thursday

Benefits are subject to change at the company's discretion. Pronto accepts applications on an ongoing basis.

A note on equal employment opportunity: As set forth in ATOMS Careers page’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Ready to join us as we serve those who serve others?