Jacob Stelzriede

Jacob, an experienced engineer, demonstrates proficiency as a Robotics Engineer, seamlessly navigating the intersection of hardware and software domains. His primary focus lies in prioritizing the process over the product. While harboring a deep appreciation for consumer electronics and autonomous systems, Jacob’s ultimate motivation is to make a tangible impact. Driven by a passion for building, inventing, and solving complex problems, he has honed his expertise in prototyping and hardware integration.

Jacob holds a Bachelor of Science in Robotics Engineering from UC Santa Cruz. Additionally, he’s earned an Associate of Arts and Science degree from West Valley College in California.

Jacob’s diverse career encompasses roles in research and agriculture, where he served as a Robotics Engineer responsible for system testing, managing new release branches, and executing rapid prototyping for new designs and proof of concepts. His expertise extends to deploying robots in remote locations and ensuring their optimal functionality.

In his capacity as a Robotics Engineer on the Mineral Hardware team, Jacob focused on building and maintaining a fleet of agriculture robots. His responsibilities included designing and implementing new features and experiments for specialized data collection campaigns. Notably, he received Excellence Awards in October 2020 and March 2021 for his outstanding contributions.

Jacob’s skill set spans a range of competencies, including control systems, integration testing, maintenance and repair, written and oral communication, systems engineering, interpersonal skills, creative problem-solving, and proficiency in tools such as SOLIDWORKS, Microsoft Excel, and Computer-Aided Design (CAD). His expertise in mechanical engineering and mechatronics is complemented by his adeptness in design review, communication, and rapid prototyping.

In his free time, Jacob finds joy in creating public art, and he’s proud to be a funded artist. He has a passion for pushing his limits and discovering what’s possible, living by the mantra, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go” by T.S. Eliot (safely of course).