Automation Engineer
TRIC Robotics - Santa Maria
Work at TRIC Robotics
Overview
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Overview
TRIC Robotics is revolutionizing crop protection and sustainable farming. By combining ultraviolet (UV) light, robotics, and deep hands-on farm experience, we've developed a patented technology that delivers the most effective chemical-free approach to controlling pests and diseases in fruit production.
Starting in California strawberries, we have quickly gained momentum with commitments from farmers, industry leaders, and investors. Now, we are growing our team.
We're looking for passionate, driven individuals who want to join an innovative, fast-moving company transforming the way our food is grown. If you're excited to shape the future of sustainable agriculture through real-world impact and cutting-edge technology, we'd love to hear from you.
Position Summary
We are seeking an Automation Engineer to design, implement, and optimize systems that power our autonomous robotic platforms. This role involves working at the intersection of hardware and software to integrate sensors, actuators, and control systems for reliable and precise operation in dynamic agricultural environments. You'll collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to improve robot performance and deploy automation solutions at scale.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement automation workflows for robotic field systems, including motion control, perception, and actuation
- Develop and tune control systems (PID, trajectory planning, etc.) for autonomous navigation and treatment tasks
- Integrate and calibrate sensors (e.g., encoders, LIDAR, GPS, IMUs, cameras)
- Build software interfaces for low-level hardware components using ROS, Python, or C++
- Troubleshoot and optimize automation systems for field reliability and safety
- Support deployment and testing of robots in real-world field environments
- Contribute to architecture decisions for scalable automation systems
- Maintain system documentation, testing protocols, and version control
- Bachelor's or Master's in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
- 2+ years of experience in automation, robotics, or control systems engineering
- Proficient in Python and/or C++ for automation and embedded systems
- Experience with ROS (Robot Operating System) or similar robotics frameworks
- Familiarity with control systems, sensors, and real-time data acquisition
- Comfortable working with hardware in a field-based or lab setting
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work cross-functionally
- Experience deploying systems in agricultural, industrial, or rugged outdoor environments
- Knowledge of PLCs, industrial communication protocols, or safety systems
- Familiarity with machine vision, robotic manipulation, or autonomous navigation
- Experience with simulation tools (e.g., Gazebo, MATLAB/Simulink)
- Background in IoT, cloud robotics, or remote system monitoring
- Salary range starting at $118,000
- Employer sponsored medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 401k with profit sharing
- Flexible time off