Controls Engineer – Robotics & Automation

About Knightscope

Knightscope is a security technology company building the Nation’s First Autonomous Security Force. The Company combines autonomous machines, advanced software, and human expertise to help protect people, property, and critical infrastructure. Knightscope’s long-term mission is to make the United States of America the safest country in the world.

Location: Knightscope HQ, Sunnyvale, CA (This position is not remote)

Job Summary:

Knightscope is seeking a motivated Controls Engineer to support the development of motion planning and control systems for autonomous robotic platforms. This role involves designing, implementing, and testing algorithms that enable robots to safely and reliably navigate real-world environments.


The ideal candidate is excited to work in a fast-paced startup environment and enjoys both algorithm development and hands-on testing on robotic systems. This position will collaborate closely with perception, localization, and systems teams to develop robust navigation and vehicle control solutions.

About the Role

In this role, you will contribute to the development of planning and control algorithms for Knightscope’s autonomous robots. Engineers will work across multiple layers of the autonomy stack including path planning, trajectory generation, vehicle control, and system integration.


This role requires flexibility to contribute across planning, mid-level controls, and vehicle control systems, as well as participation in robot integration and real-world testing.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and maintain robot motion planning algorithms including trajectory generation, collision avoidance, and path planning

Design and implement control algorithms for robotic and vehicle systems (PID control, Model Predictive Control (MPC), Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR), trajectory tracking controllers)

Implement and maintain state estimation methods such as Kalman Filters / Extended Kalman Filters

Develop and tune mid-level and low-level vehicle control systems including steering, speed, and trajectory tracking

Work closely with perception, localization, and systems teams to integrate planning and control modules

Support development of navigation behaviors for autonomous robots operating in real environments

Analyze system logs and telemetry data to evaluate and improve performance

Participate in robot integration, debugging, and field testing

Develop internal tools for testing, validation, and performance analysis

Contribute to rapid prototyping and iterative development in a startup environment

Required Qualifications

D. or M.S. in Controls, Robotics, Optimization, Path Planning, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field. B.S. with strong industry experience may be considered

Prior internship or full-time industry experience in robotics, autonomous systems, automotive, aerospace, or related engineering fields

Experience developing control systems for robotic or autonomous platforms

Strong understanding of control theory, dynamic systems, and vehicle/robot dynamics

Experience implementing control algorithms such as PID, Model Predictive Control (MPC), Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR), and trajectory tracking controllers

Experience with state estimation techniques (Kalman Filters / Extended Kalman Filters)

Experience with robot motion planning including trajectory generation, collision avoidance, and path planning

Programming experience in C++ and/or Python

Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and collaborative software development workflows

Experience working with robot hardware, sensors, and embedded systems

Ability to work in a hands-on robotics development and testing environment

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $158,000 to $210,000 (DOE)

Equity: Stock options

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off

Location Requirement: Full-time, on-site at Sunnyvale HQ