TerraFirma · 2 months ago
Robotics Software Engineer - Motion Planning, State Estimation, & Control
Austin, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
2+ years expTerraFirma Robotics is redefining how the world moves earth for construction by automating processes to make them faster, cheaper, and safer. The Robotics Software Engineer will design and deploy algorithms for heavy machinery, focusing on state estimation, motion planning, and control in dynamic environments.
Responsibilities
State Estimation & Sensor Fusion – Design, implement, and deploy real‑time estimation pipelines that remain robust to sensor noise, vibration, and bias
Motion / Trajectory / Path Planning – Create high‑level planners and low‑level controllers that optimize for safety, efficiency, and task completion
Software & System Architecture – Own C++/Python codebases, and MCU firmware that realize Guidance, Navigation & Control functions on production hardware
Simulation & Tooling – Generate digital twins, Hardware-in-the-Loop setups, and interactive visualizations to validate algorithms before field trials
Field Deployment – Bring algorithms onto machines, run field experiments, diagnose issues, and iterate rapidly
Qualification
Required
B.S. in Robotics, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
2+ years of professional or advanced research experience delivering robotic software from first‑principles modelling through hardware deployment
Proven track record owning large deliverables and driving multi‑disciplinary roadmaps
Must be willing to work extended hours or weekends when needed to support critical deadlines or triage urgent deployment issues
Comfortable with working in a fast-paced startup environment
Must be willing to relocate to Austin, TX if not within commuting distance
Preferred
Hands‑on deployment of Kalman filters or equivalent estimators on real‑world platforms (e.g., drones, tractors, autonomous vehicles, aircraft, rockets)
Deep familiarity with sensor‑fusion toolchains and libraries
Expertise in different motion planning frameworks
Strong C++17/C and Python skills on Linux
Background integrating and calibrating sensors such as IMUs, RTK‑GPS, wheel/arm encoders, LiDAR, and cameras
Benefits
Equity in TerraFirma
Relocation packages are available to help cover moving costs, if applicable.
Company
TerraFirma
At TerraFirma, we’re redefining how the world moves earth for construction.
11-50 employees
H1B Sponsorship
TerraFirma has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase