Head of Robotics

TerraClear applies artificial intelligence robotics and world-class mechanical design to solve some of the most data deficient and labor intensive jobs on the farm. These technologies are rapidly transforming agricultural intelligence allowing farmers to make faster and more informed decisions that translate into highly precise actions and more productive farms. Our first application solved one of the most disliked tasks on the farm: clearing rocks. The annual emergence of news rocks impacts nearly half of farms in North America slowing farming damaging equipment and causing downtime during seeding and harvesting. Solving this problem frees farmers to focus on higher-value tasks and brings their operations into a new era of farming.

Leveraging our commercial success in rocks we are now expanding our core technologies to new farm applications including the precise management of weeds pests disease and overall plant health.

Our team is tight-knit and believes in the power of teamwork. We value learning directly from the farmers we serve getting our hands dirty and tackling tough challenges together. You will thrive at TerraClear with a positive attitude a collaborative mindset a healthy dose of grit and a passion for solving real-world problems.

We are seeking aHead of Robotics and Hardware to lead robotics engineering mechanical engineering and manufacturing/fabrication. This is a highly visible leadership role with significant technical influence with overall project ownership for TerraClears next-generation autonomous mapping systems.

In this role you will:

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of robotics engineers mechanical engineers and manufacturing/fabrication specialists
• Set technical direction for hardware and robotics development in alignment with company goals
• Architect design and implement novel robotics systems for controlling autonomous ground-based rovers in farm fields at relatively high speeds
• Collaborate with the product team to clarify system requirements and translate them into actionable engineering plans while also engaging with end users (farmers) to more fully appreciate the nuances of their challenges
• Oversee and/or actively participate in the selection integration and validation of sensing systems mechanical components and enabling technologies
• Stay at the forefront of robotics and hardware technologies guiding strategic R&D and solving complex technical challenges hands-on
• Develop and oversee component subsystem and full-system testing and validation plans
• Build integrate and test prototypes in both lab and field environments
• Ensure that these combined efforts result in products and capabilities that will achieve commercial success working hand in hand with our product team and external partner through product validation and launch
• Attract and retain top technical talent
• Contribute directly as hands-on robotics engineer as time allows
  
  

What were looking for:

Required Qualifications:

• 7 years experience developing and commercializing full-stack robotics systems with leadership responsibility for multidisciplinary teams
• Bachelors degree (MS or PhD preferred) in Robotics Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Computer Science or related field or equivalent experience
• Strong knowledge of robotics fundamentals: planning localization navigation trajectory control sensor fusion and state estimation with deep expertise in one of more of these aspects
• Significant software development experience in C Rust or Python; expertise in ROS or similar robotics frameworks
• Demonstrated experience as hands-on project manager of complex multi-disciplinary project
• Experience architecting complex robotics systems in real-world environments (preferably in agriculture construction transportation or logistics)
• Experience with modern software engineering practices (Linux-based development continuous integration with github actions code reviews unit testing)
• Proven ability to lead both hardware and software teams through the full development lifecycle
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders and successfully commercializing at least one robotics product

Bonus Skills:

• Field robotics experience (AGVs UAVs USVs or UUVs)
• Familiarity with communication protocols (CANBUS TCP/UDP wireless)
• Embedded systems and real-time application development
• Simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Experience with hydraulic and electrical actuators
• Mechanical design and prototyping experience
• Knowledge of control theory (linear and nonlinear systems).
  
  

We offer competitive compensation and benefits to our full-time regular employees including:

• Pre-IPO stock options (tax-advantaged ISOs)
• Competitive base salary
• Medical dental and vision insurance - 100% of premiums paid for employees and 85% of premiums paid for dependents
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• 401(k) Plan
• An inclusive and tight company culture that is mission driven

If youre excited about TerraClear fit the above qualifications and are passionate about solving hard problems please apply now!

TerraClear is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive culture with extraordinary employees. We provide employment opportunities without regard to any legally protected status. If there are preparations we can make to help ensure you have a comfortable and positive interview experience please let us know.