Motor Controls Engineer II - R&D

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

Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily operations, identifying and mitigating risks through assessments and training, encouraging open dialogue on safety concerns, and continuously improving protocols to ensure a safe work environment.

Puts customers at the center of every action by deeply understanding their challenges, delivering exceptional value, and striving to exceed expectations to support their success as our core purpose.

Actively seeks and values diverse stakeholder perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication—committing to shared decisions for the greater good.

Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes while aligning actions with a clear understanding of success at every level.

Navigates ambiguity with resilience and bold thinking, challenges the status quo, and combines innovative ideas with practical best practices to overcome obstacles and drive progress.

Fosters a high-performance culture grounded in respect, professionalism, and support—balancing high expectations with a healthy, collaborative environment and being a trusted, dependable teammate.