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 05 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

• Bachelors degree in Robotics Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Computer Engineering or related field
• 05 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 Were 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 $130000 - $170000 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 with any staffing-related inquiries.

Required Experience:

IC