Robotics Engineer - Vehicle Controls (Autonomous Construction Vehicles)

About the Role

We are seeking a Robotics Engineer with a strong focus on vehicle control systems to support the development and deployment of autonomous and semi-autonomous construction vehicles operating in real job-site environments.

This role emphasizes motion control, drive-by-wire integration, and safe, predictable vehicle behavior rather than pure perception or research-only work. It is well suited for engineers with 0–5 years of experience who want hands-on responsibility developing, tuning, testing, and validating motion-control systems on real machines.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, and tune vehicle control systems for autonomous and semi-autonomous operation
• Develop algorithms for trajectory following and maneuver control, ensuring stable and predictable vehicle behavior across varying terrain and operating conditions
• Implement and maintain:
• Longitudinal control (throttle, braking)
• Lateral control (steering)
• Maneuver execution and mode management via state machines
• Translate high-level motion commands (speed, curvature, trajectories, maneuvers) into actuator-level commands
• Interface with drive-by-wire (DBW) systems and vehicle ECUs
• Implement and tune feedback controllers (PID, MPC and related techniques) under real-world constraints
• Work with ROS 2 control nodes, interfaces, and launch configurations
• Support vehicle bring-up, calibration, and onsite field testing
• Diagnose and mitigate issues related to latency, actuator saturation, backlash, slip, and terrain variability
• Implement safety mechanisms:
• Interlocks, watchdogs, emergency-stop behavior
• Fault detection and safe-state transitions
• Collect, analyze, and document vehicle performance data and test results

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 0–5 years of relevant experience (industry, research, internships, or significant project work)
• Strong programming skills in C++ and/or Python
• Solid foundation in control systems:
• Feedback control (PID, MPC, etc.)
• Stability, tuning, and system response
• Practical understanding of vehicle behavior:
• Steering response, traction, braking
• Experience working in Linux development environments
• Comfortable working hands-on with physical vehicles and hardware
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills

Preferred / Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Experience with ROS or ROS 2, especially control-oriented components
• Familiarity with drive-by-wire (DBW) systems or actuator interfaces
• Experience with vehicle communication protocols (CAN, J1939, serial)
• Experience with hydraulic systems:
• Hydraulic steering, braking, or actuation
• Understanding of valves, pumps, pressure control, or hydraulic response characteristics
• Parker controllers and IQAN programming
• Exposure to:
• Trajectory tracking and speed control
• State machines and mode management
• Experience tuning controllers on real hardware (not simulation-only)
• Familiarity with simulation tools (Gazebo, Ignition, NVIDIA Isaac) for control validation
• Experience working in safety-conscious or industrial environments

Work Environment & Expectations

• Fully onsite role based in Davis, CA
• Combination of office, lab, and outdoor field work
• Operation around heavy equipment, uneven terrain, dust, vibration, and weather
• Occasional travel to test sites
• Strong emphasis on safety, robustness, and predictable vehicle behavior

What We’re Looking For

• Engineer who enjoys making vehicles move smoothly, reliably, and safely
• Comfortable tuning controllers and debugging physical systems
• Safety-first mindset with attention to edge cases
• Clear communicator across software, mechanical, and electrical teams
• Ownership mentality with interest in end-to-end system performance

What We Offer

·       Direct ownership of real vehicle control systems deployed on construction equipment

·       Mentorship from experienced vehicle controls and autonomy engineers

·       Hands-on testing with autonomous construction equipment in real-world environments

·       Clear growth path into senior vehicle controls, autonomy, or systems engineering roles

·       Competitive compensation and benefits

·       Opportunity to work with a rapidly growing, high-tech company with substantial business in construction automation within the energy sector

·       The chance to see your work move from prototype to large-scale deployment on active job sites

Compensation And Benefits

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location.

The salary for this role will range between $130,000 - $170,000 annually.

Within each posted range, individual pay is determined (and may be higher) depending on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Terabase offers competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous time off and holiday policy

• Remote flexibility

• Flexible time off

• Comprehensive benefits package

• Career progression

• 401k match

• Stock options

• Home office set up allowance

• And much more!

Terabase is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, employ, train, promote, and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

We do not discriminate for any reason including race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military/ veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home.

Principles only. This role is not open to receiving agency candidates, and any contingent submissions will not be considered. Terabase Energy does not utilize third-party recruitment agencies. Please contact our Recruiting team at careers@terabase.energy with any staffing-related inquiries.