Robotics Controls Engineer

Robotics Controls EngineerSan Francisco, CAAtoms 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 include the following:Design, implement, and tune control algorithms for autonomous vehicle systemsBuild Localization & State Estimation, Longitudinal Control, Lateral and Control Navigation.Develop state estimation pipelines that fuse multiple sensor modalitiesAnalyze system performance through simulation and field testingDebug control issues using logged data and identify root causesCollaborate with perception, planning, and hardware teams to integrate control systemsWrite production-quality Python code that runs reliably and efficientlyThis role requires periodic travel to customer sites (up to 15%)Some schedule flexibility may be required during deploymentsWhat we're looking for:BS/MS/PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field required2+ years of professional (non-internship) software development experienceStrong 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 computingUnderstanding of vehicle dynamics and kinematicsAbility to read and debug real-time control codeExperience deploying localization and controls algorithms on real-world systemsExperience with Model Predictive Control (MPC)Familiarity with path following algorithms (Stanley, Pure Pursuit)Background in signal processing and filter designKnowledge of system identification techniquesExperience with heavy equipment or off-highway vehiclesKnowledge of CAN bus and vehicle interfacesROS or similar robotics middleware experienceFamiliarity with modern ML techniques for controls problemsTechnical Environment:Languages: Python (primary), C++ (optimization-critical paths)Libraries: NumPy, SciPyHardware: NVIDIA Jetson, GPS/RTK, IMUs, CAN interfacesTesting: Field testing on haul trucks, log replay, simulationWhy join us:At Atoms, you'll work on one of the defining challenges of our time—bringing automation into the physical world to drive real, lasting impact. We exist to uncover valuable unknown truths and turn them into progress, which means constantly pushing beyond what's known and building what doesn't yet exist. The work is ambitious and often challenging, but it's grounded in a shared sense of purpose and a team committed to seeing it through together. Our work only matters if it serves others, and we know that meaningful progress depends on the trust of the people we serve and the strength of our team—so we invest in both, creating an environment where you can do your best work and grow.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 $119,000 - $161,000 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.Benefits Summary (USA Full-Time Exempt Employees):Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life InsuranceFlexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account Options401(k)EquitySick Time, Unlimited Flexible Time Off, and Paid HolidaysPaid Parental LeavePre-Tax Commuter Benefit PlanTeam lunch in our SoMa office every Tuesday and ThursdayBenefits are subject to change at the company's discretion. Atoms accepts applications on an ongoing basis.