About this opportunity
TerraFirma lists this Robotics Software Engineer - Motion Planning, State Estimation, & Control opportunity in austin, Texas. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
TerraFirma Job OpportunityAt TerraFirma, we're redefining how the world moves earth for construction. Founded by former SpaceX engineers and backed by Bain Capital Ventures, TerraFirma is automating construction to make it faster, cheaper, and safer.From a first-principles perspective, the challenges in building infrastructure for space exploration can be applied to construction. By bringing the principles of simplification, iteration, acceleration, and automation to construction, we can unlock a new era in how the world builds.Job OverviewYou will design and deploy the algorithms that enable heavy machinery to perform complex tasks with advanced automation in dynamic, unstructured environments. Your focus will span state estimation, motion and trajectory planning, and control, taking ideas from simulation through to real-world deployment on multi-ton robotic platforms. You will architect systems that fuse data from diverse sensors, optimize movement on challenging job sites, and execute with reliability under real-time constraints.ResponsibilitiesState Estimation & Sensor Fusion – Design, implement, and deploy real-time estimation pipelines that remain robust to sensor noise, vibration, and biasMotion / Trajectory / Path Planning – Create high-level planners and low-level controllers that optimize for safety, efficiency, and task completionSoftware & System Architecture – Own C++/Python codebases, and MCU firmware that realize Guidance, Navigation & Control functions on production hardwareSimulation & Tooling – Generate digital twins, Hardware-in-the-Loop setups, and interactive visualizations to validate algorithms before field trialsField Deployment – Bring algorithms onto machines, run field experiments, diagnose issues, and iterate rapidlyBasic QualificationsB.S. in Robotics, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field2+ years of professional or advanced research experience delivering robotic software from first-principles modeling through hardware deploymentProven track record owning large deliverables and driving multi-disciplinary roadmapsPreferred Skills & ExperienceHands-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 librariesExpertise in different motion planning frameworksStrong C++17/C and Python skills on LinuxBackground integrating and calibrating sensors such as IMUs, RTK-GPS, wheel/arm encoders, LiDAR, and camerasAdditional RequirementsMust be willing to work extended hours or weekends when needed to support critical deadlines or triage urgent deployment issuesComfortable with working in a fast-paced startup environmentMust be willing to relocate to Austin, TX if not within commuting distanceCompensation & BenefitsBase compensation will vary based on factors such as relevant experience and education. Salaries and leveling will be determined on a case-by-case basis if an offer is extended. Our total compensation package also includes equity in TerraFirma. Relocation packages are available to help cover moving costs, if applicable.
Worksite address
austin, TX, 78701, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.