Senior Embedded Software Engineering
Software Engineering · Full-time
Oakland, CA, USA
USD 180k-230k / year + Equity
The world needs 3 TW of new solar capacity every year. The legacy approach of developing and building infrastructure is mathematically incapable of catching up.
Planted is the autonomous power deployment company. We transform power plants from bespoke construction projects into manufactured products. By integrating planning software, high-density arrays, energy storage, and field robots, we deliver more power where it's needed most.
The physics are solved; what remains is relentless execution. Led by repeat founders and an engineering core from SpaceX and Tesla, we are backed by Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Piva Capital, Google, Gigascale Capital, Khosla Ventures, and RA Capital Management.
We’re scaling fast and looking for operators and engineers who want to own real pieces of the system. You don't need a traditional energy background; we care whether you can finish hard things. Come build with us.
About The Role
As a core part of the R+D team you will own the software that makes our field robots move, sense, and stay safe. Work the full stack, from CANopen devices on the machine bus up through ROS2 nodes, control loops, and the diagnostics our crews rely on. When a robot misbehaves in the dirt, you trace it from a log or a CAN frame to root cause, then fix it so it never happens again. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with a cross-functional team of mechanical, electrical, and field engineers from varied backgrounds.
The salary range for this full-time position is $180,000 to $230,000 USD plus stock and benefits. Pay within the range is based on candidate experience, job-specific skills, education, and work location. The target experience for the position is 5+ years. This role is based in Oakland, CA, with regular travel to job sites.
Responsibilities
Solve fully autonomous solar array installation on rough, sloped terrain, while maintaining millimeter positioning accuracy
Design, build, and own ROS2 software for our latest, hydraulic-powered, multi-ton robot
Build computer vision and video-based verification that proves every install is correctly located in 3D space across thousands of installs and hundreds of meters
Define and implement a comprehensive telemetry system using AI-based tools for remote debug and triage
Develop and tune robot control software, from individual actuators to coordination across the full machine
Integrate and configure precision CANopen for drives, valves, encoders, I/O, and sensors
Contribute to the design of our safety systems, and build the fault detection, safe-state handling, and interlocks that keep field teams safe alongside these huge machines
Debug hard failures across hardware, firmware, middleware, and application code, and drive them to root cause
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, robotics, or similar
Experience shipping embedded or robotics software on real machines
Strong modern C++ on Linux, and solid Python for tooling, test, and analysis
Production experience with ROS2
Experience with real-time Linux (PREEMPT_RT)
Hands-on experience with CANopen in real systems
Track record debugging robot control systems end to end - from a symptom in the field to a root cause in code, config, or hardware
Hands-on aptitude - comfortable with a scope, a CAN analyzer, and a schematic
Desire to work in a startup environment, including time in the field
Bonus: ros2_control, CiA 402 motion control, RTK GNSS, functional safety, or heavy equipment experience.
Philosophy On Qualifications And Compensation
Many people only apply for jobs if they believe they can perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider equivalent combinations of knowledge, skills, education, and experience. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
Additionally, we believe compensation should reflect the value people bring and give them a real stake in what we're building. Our total compensation package includes a base salary, meaningful equity through stock options, and benefits including company holidays, paid time off (PTO), and in-office lunches. Individual pay may vary within the posted range and is determined by a number of factors including relevant experience, skills, and location.
How We Work
We are using sunlight, software, and robots to power the world. It is historic work, and it is hard work. If you want a paved, predictable path, this isn't for you. If you'd rather invent the path, this is the best job you'll ever have.
Call it out. We put big robots in the field alongside our crews and partners. Anyone can stop any operation at any time. The same trust runs everywhere: a bug in the code, a flaw in the plan, a risk in the dirt, a design that no longer makes sense. Say it while it's small and cheap to fix, directly to the person who can fix it. Sometimes that person is you.
Commit and complete. We work problems, not tasks. A confident guess is not a commitment; “I'll find out by Thursday” is. If a date slips, say it early and bring the new plan. Every decision has one owner: bring data, argue hard, push back in the room, then the owner calls it and we lock arms. Execution compounds.
Convention isn't evidence. “Industry standard” is a red flag. Most conventions were answers to constraints that no longer exist. We respect physics and obey the law. Everything else is a choice, and we get to make it.
Let machines do the work. We are system builders: AI and robots do repetitive work in the field and in the office. Every task a machine takes over is a person out of harm's way or off the critical path. Solve a problem once, then build the tool, write the spec, and commit the doc so nobody has to solve it again. Doing it by hand once is fine. Twice means we need a tool.
Planted is an equal opportunity employer committed to growing inclusively, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, medical condition, age, or veteran status. However you identify, or whatever background you bring with you, please apply. We look forward to hearing from you.