Sr. Vehicle Controls Engineer

Overview

The Carbon Robotics Laser Weeder™ leverages robotics, computer vision, AI/deep learning, and lasers to eliminate weeds with sub-millimeter accuracy — without herbicides. This solution reduces environmental impact, promotes soil health, and helps farmers address labor shortages and rising costs. Designed in Seattle and built in Richland, Washington, the Laser Weeder sets a new standard for automated weed control. Carbon Robotics has received funding from investors including BOND, NVentures (NVIDIA’s venture arm), Anthos Capital, Fuse Venture Capital, Ignition Partners, Revolution, Sozo Ventures, and Voyager Capital.

As a no-nonsense team with a bias for action, we execute our ideas. Whether it’s designing transformative technology or visiting farms to ensure our products are reliable and safe, we do whatever it takes to deliver for our customers. Working here means tackling big problems with big impact, with opportunities to grow professionally and contribute to a mission that matters. We trust our team to act independently and make practical, real-world decisions.

Join us as we innovate, execute, and build the future of farming together.

As a Sr. Vehicle Controls Engineer at Carbon Robotics, you will be instrumental in designing and implementing control algorithms and software that ensure the robust, precise, and safe motion of our AI and robotics products. You will work cross-functionally with software, mechanical, electrical, and systems integration peers to build AI and robotics products. You will design, develop, and maintain embedded software systems for various electronic devices, and you will do whatever it takes — which will include going to the farm — to ensure our customers have reliable and safe products.

• Build control-oriented vehicle models and implement model-based algorithms for electric drive trains and chassis systems.
• Develop high-performance control systems using Matlab/Simulink and deploy them to embedded vehicle systems.
• Partner with hardware and mechanical teams to align sensing and actuation with target vehicle motion attributes.
• Root-cause low-level control issues and tune loops to maximize system precision, safety, and performance.
• Calibrate and debug algorithms through SIL/HIL simulations and hands-on field testing.
• Drive innovation in agricultural robotics through strategic project planning and rapid, iterative problem-solving.

• Proven experience in control systems, encompassing ground-up design, analysis, implementation, testing, and debugging in real-world applications.
• Solid foundation in first principles linear systems analysis and state-estimation.
• Expertise in designing and implementing reliable and performant control systems.
• Proficiency in software development using C/C++.
• Understanding of embedded systems architecture, including microcontrollers, sensors, and communication interfaces, with specific experience with CAN in embedded vehicle systems.
• Demonstrated solid experience with MATLAB/Simulink for system modeling and model-based controls development.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally, work hands-on, and successfully execute open-ended projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Hands-on experience with electric vehicle architecture, including high-voltage (HV) batteries, power distribution systems, and motor inverters.
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent experience.
• Willing to travel up to 25% of the time.

• Electric vehicle or off-highway vehicle system experience.
• Electromechanical prototyping.
• Functional safety experience and working knowledge of safety standards like ISO 26262.
• Knowledge and experience with hydraulic systems & controls.

Qualified applicants will receive a short survey after applying to help the team learn more about you.

Carbon Robotics follows equitable hiring practices. Flexibility in our hiring process allows hiring of talent at levels different from what are posted. The compensation range outlined is based on a target budgeted base salary. Individual base pay depends on various factors such…