Senior Robotics Engineer, Controls and Systems

Senior Robotics Engineer, Controls and Systems

Join to apply for the Senior Robotics Engineer, Controls and Systems role at Planted.

Location:

Oakland, CA (In Person Only).

Employment type:

Full-time.

First, the good news:
The world now has over 2 terawatts of cumulative solar capacity and solar PV is the lowest-cost source of energy generation worldwide.

The challenge:
The world must build 3 terawatts of new solar capacity every year for the next 25 years to meet surging power demand and decarbonize.

Planted is creating new technology to overhaul how the industry develops and builds solar power resources. We’re expanding our team of ambitious, curious, and hands‑on engineers and operators who want to accelerate that transition. Come take ownership of large parts of our product and core technology as we help power the world with 100% clean and abundant energy.

As a member of the Robot Hardware & Systems team, this role will play a key part in the development of the next generation of our autonomous solar‑installation robots. Responsibilities will include developing control algorithms, integrating sensors, and implementing real‑time robotic software. This is a hands‑on, high‑impact role! The ideal candidate should be ready to own a project from ideation to implementation: not‑only designing solutions, but also participating in real‑world testing and analysis of the results.

The salary range for this full‑time position is $145,000 - $195,000 plus stock and benefits. Pay within the range is based on candidate experience, job‑specific skills, education, and work location. The target experience for the position is 4-8 years.

• Develop and implement real-time control algorithms for robotic actuation and vehicle locomotion.
• Write software for real-time applications such for safety, vehicle control, and vehicle sequencing.
• Assess new controllers, sensors, and actuators for integration into our hardware suite.
• Develop and refine robot calibration, system identification, and verification processes.
• Work with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to refine system architecture and requirements.
• Contribute to the development of innovative features and improvements for our robotic systems.

• Bachelor or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
• 4-8 years of experience in robotics, embedded systems, or controls engineering.
• Strong C++ and Python programming for real-time control and hardware interfacing.
• Experience with embedded systems and CAN bus communication.
• Experience with ROS2 and ecosystem (Gazebo, tf2, etc).
• Hands‑on experience with robot calibration, system integration, and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of control algorithms, system identification, and nonlinear control.
• Experience with CANopen, J1939, and debugging tools.

• Experience with electrical schematics, power electronics, and hydraulic systems.
• Background in nonlinear controls, localization, sensor fusion, or industrial automation.
• Knowledge of Model Predictive Control (MPC), Kalman Filters, Sliding Mode Controllers.
• Knowledge of real time operating systems.
• Experience working with robotics in harsh environments (construction, ag‑tech, industrial).
• A note on qualifications:
  Many people only apply for jobs if they believe they can perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider equivalent combinations of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

• Mostly desk work using standard office equipment.
• Position will require in‑field testing.

• 11 paid company holidays and flexible Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Company‑paid in‑office lunches.
• Stock options.
• Medical, vision, dental, and other benefits.
• Pre‑tax commuter benefits.
• 401(k).
• A chance to have an empowered, meaningful, and early role in climate.

• You want to solve challenging problems.
• You are biased toward action…