Senior Robotics Controls Engineer

Pronto

San Francisco (CA)

On-site

USD 176,000 - 240,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Equity

401(k)

Paid Holidays

Parental Leave

Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit Plan

Job summary

Pronto AI, a leader in autonomous haulage, seeks a Robotics Controls Engineer to develop core control systems for 200+ ton mining vehicles. You will advance localization, path following, and longitudinal/lateral control, collaborating with perception, planning, and hardware teams. Strong Python/C++ skills and experience with MPC are required.

Based in San Francisco, this onsite role involves occasional travel and a competitive compensation package with equity options and performance bonuses.

Qualifications

Must have a strong foundation in classical control theory and state estimation.
Experience deploying localization and controls on real-world systems.
Proficient in Python and C++ with ability to read real-time control code.
Experience with MPC and path following algorithms; ability to work across teams.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and tune control algorithms for autonomous haul trucks.
Develop localization, state estimation, and sensor fusion pipelines.
Analyze system performance via simulation and field tests.
Collaborate with perception, planning, and hardware teams to integrate control.
Write production-quality Python/C++ code for reliable operation.
Travel to customer sites up to 15% and support deployments.

Skills

Control theory

Kalman filters

Localization & state estimation

Python

C++

Real-time debugging

Model Predictive Control

Path following

Reading CAN bus

Machine learning for controls

ROS

Education

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

Tools

NumPy

SciPy

NVIDIA Jetson

GPS/RTK

IMUs

CAN interfaces

ROS

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.

Who We Are

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

Why join us

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.

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 and an annual performance-based bonus.

Benefits Summary (USA Full-Time Exempt Employees)