Senior Software Engineer (Controls)

Seneca • Sausalito, CA

65d

About The Position

We are seeking an exceptional and innovative Controls Engineer to design, develop, and implement control systems for our unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in control theory and hands-on experience with UAV systems. Experience applying machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) to enhance autonomous navigation, path planning, and flight performance is a distinct advantage.

Requirements

• PhD or Masters in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience in control system design, modeling, and simulation.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages like C++ and Python.
• Familiarity with embedded systems and real-time operating systems.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with UAVs, autopilots (e.g., PX4, ArduPilot, Betaflight), and sensor integration.
• Experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) for robotics or autonomous systems.
• Knowledge of computer vision principles and techniques.
• Familiarity with aviation regulations and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and test advanced control algorithms for UAVs to ensure stability, maneuverability, and reliable performance.
• Create and maintain dynamic flight models for various UAV platforms to simulate and validate control strategies.
• Integrate path planning algorithms for autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, and optimal flight route generation.
• Apply machine learning and deep learning techniques to enhance flight control and dynamic flight models.
• Develop and optimize robust, compute-constrained code for embedded systems, ensuring reliability and real-time performance.
• Conduct comprehensive system testing, including Hardware-in-the-Loop simulations and flight testing, to validate control system performance.
• Analyze flight data to troubleshoot system issues, optimize control parameters, and continuously improve overall performance.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, software, and systems engineers, to deliver high-quality and reliable drone solutions.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary – Reflective of your skills and experience
• Equity Compensation – Be a part-owner in the company's future
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Including medical, dental, and vision plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – Optional pre-tax savings for medical expenses
• Unlimited PTO – Flexible time off to recharge, plus paid company holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree