Motor Controls Engineer 2 - R&D

Salary Range: 132000 to 155000 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)

Responsibilities

• Develop and tune torque, speed, and current control algorithms (e.g., Field-Oriented Control, Direct Torque Control) using MATLAB/Simulink, and C/C++. 
• Support selection of control architecture, sensing approach, and inverter strategies based on system performance needs. 
• Collaborate with electrical, firmware, and mechanical engineers to ensure controller integration with hardware and overall propulsion system performance. 
• Perform bench, dynamometer, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing to validate control algorithms. 
• Analyze test and flight data to characterize motor and controller performance, efficiency, and thermal behavior. 
• Design, implement and validate propulsion system failure detection algorithms. 
• Contribute to model development, data analysis, and parameter identification for simulation and control validation. 
• Document design methods, test procedures, and results. 

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in electric motor control, power electronics, or embedded control systems 
• Masters or PhD in related engineering discipline (Aerospace, Mechanical, etc) 
• Proven experience in designing and developing productized motor controls. 
• In-depth understanding of torque control techniques such as slip-based control, field oriented control, direct torque control. 
• Prior experience with flux estimation methods, 3-phase power control, analytical control system theory development and analysis. 
• Knowledge of Field-Oriented Control, flux estimation, PWM techniques, and motor parameter identification. 
• Experience with various PWM schemes such as space vector, discontinuous, and sinusoidal modulation, including data-acquisition methods. 
• System-oriented understanding of thermal, system-level torque and velocity control, voltage DC-link integration, efficiency optimization, and firmware integration for electric drives. 
• Experience testing and debugging embedded control systems in lab or dynamometer environments. 
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++ for algorithm development and embedded deployment. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to system-level performance. 
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols 
• Hands-on experience through employment, student teams, co-op, and/or personal projects 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative start-up environment 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with version control such as Git 
• Experience with TI Instaspin SW bbox 
• Experience with Propeller Characterization 
• Experience with Dynamometer testing 
• Experience with wind-tunnel testing and/or CFD for use in flight dynamics modeling 
• Proficiency with Python, C#, Java, or other high level languages 
• Experience with embedded systems, real-time systems, robotics, or sensors 
• Interest in RC planes, quadcopters, or aviation 

Attributes aligned with Core Values

Safety Above All: Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily work, identifying and mitigating risks, encouraging open dialogue about safety concerns, and continuously improving practices and protocols.
Customer Focus: Puts customers at the center of every action by understanding their challenges, delivering meaningful value, and supporting their success.
Work Better Together: Seeks and values diverse perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication and commitment to shared decisions.
Be the Pilot: Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes.
Embrace the Unknown: Navigates ambiguity with resilience and bold thinking, challenges the status quo, and combines innovative ideas with practical approaches to overcome obstacles and drive progress.
Respect for People: Fosters a high-performance culture grounded in respect, professionalism, and support by balancing high expectations with a healthy, collaborative environment and being a trusted, dependable teammate.