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Senior Propulsion Controls Engineer

TerralineFremont, CAApril 27th, 2026
Job Description Who we are:Terraline is creating the only clean-sheet, battery-electric heavy truck that is designed for any human or autonomous driver, and is capable of exceeding 500 miles of range. The Terraline team has decades of experience in the autonomous and electric vehicle industries, most notably the Tesla and Waymo Class 8 trucks. You will be working with a highly cross-functional team of systems, software, hardware and vehicle engineers, as well as an incredibly talented team of designers, technicians, and a wide range of other professionals.Position: Sr. Propulsion Controls Engineer - AutomotiveFLSA Classification: ExemptReports to: Software LeadSupervisory responsibilities: NoneJob description:As a Sr. Propulsion Controls Engineer, you will design, simulate and implement powertrain control algorithms for an electrical truck. You will also be engineering responsible for certain aspects of pre-production builds. As the team grows, you may be designated as a subject matter expert and will be asked to provide guidance to junior team members. The ideal candidate works well within a diverse team while also being able to operate independently and deliver projects on time and to specification. This candidate is able to solve complex problems by working up from the engineering fundamentals to develop the best solution, regardless of what others are doing or have done. We can't change the world by doing it the way everyone else has done it! Finally, while we are an engineering driven company, you will need to be able to effectively communicate with our co-workers and partners in both technical and non-technical capacities. Responsibilities:Be responsible for design, development, calibration and validation of propulsion control systems for electrical trucks. Control features include torque control, torque arbitration, drive gear management, power distribution, drivability, regenerative braking control, drive mode, functional safety, and interface with the autonomy systemSupport different levels of propulsion control software validations using SIL, HIL, dyno and development vehicles Perform and maintain FMEA for critical features of propulsion systemsWork with cross functional teams to perform root cause analysis, recommend solutions, and negotiate and execute contingency plansSupport, organize and lead customer and supplier meetingsCreate report which address critical vehicle control issues and engage cross functional engineering support as requiredDocumentation of algorithm development and testing results, and integration of the documentation within the relevant tools.Support product development and testing timeline planning with cross-functional hardware, controls, and software teamsJob Requirements - Essential Skills:Solid control background in linear/nonlinear systems analysis, stability, and controller designExperience, understanding, and intuition for the physics of electric propulsion and motion control systemsCreating dynamic models of electrical and mechanical systemsModel development and data analysis in Matlab/SimulinkStrong communication and preference for working in teamsHands-on work is an integral part of being an engineer at Terraline, so familiarity with and a willingness to use basic hand tools is necessary for success Desired Skills:Experience with propulsion control and calibrationGood understanding of automotive functional safety standards like ISO 26262Familiarity with Electric Vehicle (EV) drive systemsCapability of delivering high-quality code in an embedded environmentQualifications:MS/PhD in EE/ME or equivalent5+ years experience in controls system development, modeling, and implementation in an embedded environment3+ years working experience in automotive, or aerospace industriesApplicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. Unfortunately, Terraline cannot sponsor new visa applicants at this time.What we offer you:High-quality individual and family medical, dental, and vision insurance with an employer contributionCompetitive compensation packagesEmployer-paid group term life insuranceEmployer-paid Short-term and Long-term disability insurances401(k) with company matchPaid vacationHolidays following the Federal Holiday SchedulePhysical demands:We are all hands on deck at Terraline in our efforts to create exciting change within the trucking world. The ideal candidate will be both adventurous and versatile. Daily activities could range from a full day of designing components at your desk, to full days working in the shop building out huge Class 8 trucks, and everything in between. Each day will be an adventure and you should feel comfortable handling moderately sized components within your daily routine.Travel required:Subject to periodic travel requirements. Company-related travel expenses reimbursed per the company's Travel and Expense Reimbursement policy.Other duties:Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Terraline Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.Terraline Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let the recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.