Robotics Controls Engineer - San Francisco, CA

About the role

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. 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

• Design, implement, and tune control algorithms for autonomous vehicle systems
• 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

Requirements

• BS/MS/PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field is 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 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
• What else you need to know
• The base salary range for this role is $182,000 - $230,000 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 Sa

Benefits

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