Controls/Robotics Intern
Required skills
- mechatronics
- controls
- robotics
- algorithms
- adaptive behavior
- intelligent behavior
- controllers
- dynamic models
- ML models
- perception
Nice to have
- hobby projects
- maker
- LiDAR integration
- Python
- C++
- PyTorch
Role summary
Terranova is seeking a Controls/Robotics Intern to develop intelligent, adaptive algorithms for their robotic systems. The intern will design and tune controllers, build dynamic models, and integrate them with ML models for perception, planning, or adaptive control. This role involves collaborating with firmware and cloud teams to ensure real-time safety and stability, optimizing performance under various constraints. The ideal candidate is pursuing a degree in Computer Science or Robotics, has a passion for making, and is comfortable with the fast-paced environment of an early-stage startup. Experience with Python/C++, ML frameworks, and robotics middleware is preferred.
Company Description
Backed by leading climate and American dynamism investors, Terranova builds intelligent robotic systems to terraform the Earth itself - lifting land, restoring wetlands, and protecting critical infrastructure from floods and sea-level rise.
Our mission is to preserve the built environment, create new habitats, and usher in an era of abundance. Our work supports climate resilience, disaster recovery, and defense across the United States and beyond.
We’re assembling a world-class team that wants to work on something real, physical, and civilization-scale. If you want your work to reshape the world (literally), this is the place to do it.
What to to Expect
We’re seeking a mechatronics and controls intern for Spring 2027 to develop algorithms that give our robotic systems adaptive, intelligent behavior. You’ll design and tune controllers, build dynamic models, and integrate them with perception and sensor data. This is a chance to bridge classical control with modern machine learning to shape how machines move through the Earth.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and tune controllers (PID, MPC, optimal/robust control) for dynamic, nonlinear systems.
Build and validate physical models for simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and autonomy.
Train and deploy ML models for perception, planning, or adaptive control (supervised or RL).
Integrate algorithms with firmware and cloud teams, ensuring real-time safety and stability.
Profile, optimize, and verify performance under latency, jitter, and compute constraints
Comfortable with the pace and intensity of early-stage startup life
Working towards a bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Robotics or related field
U.S. permanent residency required
Preferred Skills and Experience
Lots of hobby/personal projects and evidence of being a maker
LiDAR integration and use
Python/C++ with PyTorch/JAX
MPC/OSQP/CasADi
EKF/UKF/factor graphs
System ID, RL (PPO/SAC) with safety shields
ROS2, ONNX/TensorRT
Latency and jitter profiling
PCB and embedded systems design skills are a huge bonus
Compensation and Timeline
$25-35/hr + relocation + company perks
Spring Internship from January-May depending on your school schedule
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