Senior Software Engineer (Controls)

Seneca

$120K — $150K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 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.

Responsibilities

  • Design, implement, and test advanced control algorithms for UAVs.
  • Create and maintain dynamic flight models for various UAV platforms.
  • Integrate path planning algorithms for autonomous navigation.
  • Apply machine learning and deep learning techniques to enhance flight control.
  • Develop and optimize robust, compute-constrained code for embedded systems.
  • Conduct comprehensive system testing and validate control system performance.
  • Analyze flight data to troubleshoot issues and optimize control parameters.

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
Full Job Description
The Job:

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.

What You'll Do:
  • Flight Control System Design: Design, implement, and test advanced control algorithms for UAVs to ensure stability, maneuverability, and reliable performance.
  • Modeling and Simulation: Create and maintain dynamic flight models for various UAV platforms to simulate and validate control strategies.
  • Path Planning and Autonomy: Integrate path planning algorithms for autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, and optimal flight route generation.
  • ML/DL Integration: Apply machine learning and deep learning techniques to enhance flight control and dynamic flight models.
  • Embedded Systems: Develop and optimize robust, compute-constrained code for embedded systems, ensuring reliability and real-time performance.
  • Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing: Conduct comprehensive system testing, including Hardware-in-the-Loop simulations and flight testing, to validate control system performance.
  • Troubleshooting and Optimization: Analyze flight data to troubleshoot system issues, optimize control parameters, and continuously improve overall performance.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, software, and systems engineers, to deliver high-quality and reliable drone solutions.


What You Bring:
  • 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

Bonus Points For:
  • 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.

What We Offer:
  • 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


About Us
Seneca is eliminating the $1 trillion threat of wildfire across 500 million acres with AI-powered autonomous drone systems. Imagine a world where firefighters can respond to a blaze in under 6 minutes using autonomous suppression technology. That's the world Seneca is building. We're combining the deep expertise of seasoned fire professionals with the innovation of billion-dollar technology builders to create advanced systems that save lives, property, and natural resources.

This is more than a job-it's a mission to transform safety across 500 million acres. Whatever your background, if you're a builder, an innovator, or a problem-solver, you belong here.

Don't meet every single requirement? If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply - you may still be the right fit for our team.

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