OverviewDo you enjoy controlling multi-domain physical systems like robots, cars, or generators using embedded systems? Are you passionate about modeling system dynamics (linear or nonlinear), designing control algorithms, implementing them in hardware, and verifying real-world performance?
We have a high-impact opportunity for a Controls Engineer to join a world-class engineering team, designing and implementing new automation and control algorithms for our Linear Generator - a sophisticated, automated system with mechanical, electrical, fluid, thermodynamic, and thermal dynamics. Controls are central to its performance and behavior.
The Electrical Systems Control team specializes in coordinating the control of inverters, batteries, brake resistors, and generators on a common DC bus to provide consistent and reliable power. In this role, you will learn the fundamentals of each of these components to enable smooth and reliable power production. You will be paired closely with senior engineering mentors dedicated to accelerating your technical mastery, systems thinking, and long-term career growth.
We're looking for a driven, self-directed problem solver who thinks in systems, learns fast, takes coaching well, and is a team player. You have a strong interest in software, sensors, real-time control, and automation for dynamic systems, and you're excited about Mainspring's mission to deliver clean, affordable, and resilient power.
ResponsibilitiesAs an Associate Controls Engineer in the Electrical Systems Controls team, you will:
- Help integrate inverters, batteries, brake resistors, and generators all on a common DC bus.
- Design, implement, and tune control algorithms that coordinate the DC bus, batteries, and grid tie inverters, in simulation and on hardware.
- Implement algorithms and continuous-integration tests (MIL, SIL, PIL) in C++17.
- Develop automation, diagnostics, and fail-safes for a novel integrated platform.
- Analyze system data and refine control strategies.
- Develop and automate test plans, test cases, and traceability matrices to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Conduct failure analysis, risk mitigation, and validation to maintain robust control performance.
- Debug sensors, actuators, and subsystems, addressing noise, disturbances, and calibration.
- Support fleet generator operation, manufacturing testing, and reliability efforts.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with power electronics, mechanical, thermal, firmware, and test teams to define requirements, integrate multi-physics systems, implement new software features, and drive validation.
- Start by building simulation tests and supporting hardware validation of new grid tie inverter control algorithms, with a structured pathway toward taking full technical ownership of critical control subsystems.
Qualifications- BS or MS in electrical, mechanical, or software engineering with a specialization in control systems or power systems
- 2-5 years of relevant work experience
- Experience designing, implementing, and testing controls and automation algorithms in software.
- Strong communication skills and an enthusiasm for active collaboration across diverse hardware and software engineering teams.
$104,187 - $122,573 a year
This is a
hybrid position
(onsite + remote) at our
Menlo Park HQ. It will require you to be onsite as required to perform testing, troubleshooting, manufacturing support, etc. The salary will be adjusted to reflect local market conditions based on employee location as well as the experience of the employee. Along with base salary, Mainspring offers pre-IPO company equity through Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) + benefits.
Does your experience not meet all of our posted requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to positions unless they meet every listed requirement. At Mainspring, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, flexible, and collaborative environment, so if you want to help us transition the world to clean and affordable electricity, and don't meet all posted requirements for a particular role, we'd still love to hear from you. Mainspring can sometimes be flexible enough to shift responsibilities for the right person, or otherwise identify open or upcoming roles that may better fit your professional background.
