MTH—03 MITHRIL MINERALS INC JD-001 / 2026
FULL-TIME — ALAMEDA, CA

Embedded Systems
& Controls
Engineer

Own the controls architecture that moves a multi-ton robotic collector arm five kilometers deep on the ocean floor. You will design and build the system from manual operation toward full closed-loop autonomy, working directly with the CTO.

$115–150K + EQUITY
FULL-TIME EXEMPT
IN-PERSON / ALAMEDA, CA

Mithril Minerals is building the next generation of subsea robotic systems to responsibly collect ocean critical minerals. We are seeking an Embedded Systems & Controls Engineer to design, build, and test the motor control system for a large subsea robotic collector arm.

This is a high-ownership, high-impact position where you will fully own the controls architecture and make decisions that determine the system's future. We believe that we can replace massive, capital-intensive infrastructure with low-impact, distributed robotic technology. We are a small, tight-knit team backed by leading venture capital investors dedicated to solving one of the most significant engineering challenges of the energy transition.

  • Architect the SystemDesign and implement the full controls architecture for our multi-motor, cabled robotic collector arm, evolving it from manual operation toward full closed-loop autonomy.
  • Firmware & ControlWrite safety-critical firmware for motor controllers; build and integrate torque-sensing feedback loops for real-time adaptation using low-level protocols (CAN bus, MAVLink).
  • Hands-on PrototypingWork directly in our machine shop to build, instrument, and iterate on designs. As comfortable with a soldering iron and machine tools as with C++.
  • Field ValidationPlan and execute test procedures to validate repeatable arm motion in controlled tank environments and real-world offshore field tests.
  • Failure AnalysisIdentify failure modes — particularly in high-pressure/subsea conditions — and build robust, fail-safe routines where hardware recovery is logistically prohibitive.
  • Firmware / ControlsDemonstrated proficiency in embedded C/C++ and real-time/RTOS environments; experience writing firmware for motor controllers (STM32, embedded Linux) for BLDC, servo, or stepper systems. Experience with CAN bus or similar protocols.
  • Motor ControlHands-on experience with closed-loop control, PID tuning, and real-time feedback integration; experience coordinating multiple motors on a shared mechanical system.
  • Sensor FusionExperience with torque/force sensing and using sensor feedback to modulate motor behavior.
  • AutonomyExperience building systems from human-in-the-loop operation toward full automation handoff.
  • Engineering RigorComfort designing test plans, instrumenting systems, and building data collection and analysis pipelines.
  • Ownership & HonestyAbility to move quickly, navigate ambiguity, and own projects from concept to field validation. Intellectual integrity is a requirement — accurate representation of work guides our process.
  • Experience working in offshore and/or maritime environments
  • Experience with pressure-rated electronics or environmental sealing (oil-filled housings, subsea connectors)
  • Experience with industrial equipment or heavy machinery
  • SCUBA certification

This role requires comfort working in a machine shop and lab environment with daily hands-on hardware handling. Field testing involves working on boats in marine environments and up to 4 weeks of travel per year. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs independently. Comfort with cold water and open water swimming is a plus.

We have experience building products from the ground up — from garage beginnings with buggy Arduino systems to multi-million dollar contracts. Our team includes an ocean-going engineer who has sent hardware to the deepest parts of the ocean, a Carnegie Mellon-trained industrial designer, a PhD engineer/tattoo artist/gin distiller, and a scientist known for deploying sensors in the world's most dangerous environments. We're joined by technical advisors from academia and industry with decades of experience.

If you're tired of building internal AI tools or delivery robots for mega corporations, come do something meaningful for the planet. And please tell us in your application: what's the worst thing you've ever built?

Ready to build something that matters?