Senior Embedded Motor Control Engineer (Aviation Actuation)

Location: Irvine, CA | Work Model: On-site / Lab-heavy | Type: Full-Time

Tech Stack Focus: C/C++, TI C2000 (F280034SPN) / STM32, Field Oriented Control (FOC), MATLAB/Simulink, SIL/HIL/MIL

Build systems that actually move things in the real world—fast, precisely, and safely.

We are looking for a Senior Embedded Motor Control Software Engineer with deep technical domain expertise and the architectural vision to lead our control systems for aviation-grade linear and rotary actuators.

In this role, you won't just tweak gains or drop in third-party libraries—you will take end-to-end ownership of a high-performance control stack. You'll own the 20 kHz FOC current control loop, along with velocity and position loops running on real-time MCUs. If you want your embedded code to directly power hardware that takes flight, this is your mission.

What You'll Do

Architecture & Control Algorithm Design

• Own the Stack: Lead the design and implementation of multi-loop control architecture (current, velocity, position) for PMSM / BLDC motors.
• High-Bandwidth Control: Own the 20 kHz FOC current control loop, sensor signal conditioning (encoder/current sensing), runtime offset compensation, and sensorless control strategies where applicable.
• Model-Based Design: Build and maintain motor, inverter, and actuator models in MATLAB/Simulink to inform controller gains, limits, and protection strategies.

Embedded Implementation & Bring-Up

• Silicon Execution: Implement real-time control algorithms primarily on TI C2000 MCUs (specifically F280034SPN).
• Low-Level Optimization: Configure PWM modules, ADC sampling/synchronization, and interrupt timing to achieve strict timing closure, numerical stability, and deterministic execution.
• Hardware Bring-Up: Partner with Electrical, Systems, and Manufacturing teams for hands-on lab bring-up, debugging, parameter identification, and system integration.
• Verification & Safety: Develop and execute SIL, MIL, and HIL test strategies to prepare systems for flight-ready certification.

What You Bring

Must-Haves

• Degree: B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience: 8+ years of dedicated experience in embedded motor control software development.
• Domain Mastery: Deep, hands-on experience with FOC-based motor control and real-time control theory, power electronics, and electric machines.
• MCU Proficiency: Proven experience with real-time motor control microcontrollers (TI C2000 family strongly preferred; strong candidates using STM32 or similar real-time MCUs will be actively considered).
• Hands-on Skills: Proficiency in Embedded C/C++, low-level driver development, and comfort working with oscilloscopes, power supplies, and test bench hardware in a lab.

Nice-to-Haves / Preferred

• Direct experience with TI F28003x / F280034 microcontrollers.
• High-bandwidth current loops (10–20 kHz) and linear actuator systems.
• Experience with MATLAB / Simulink for model-based design and auto-code generation workflows.
• Exposure to safety-critical standards or concepts (DO-178C, ISO 26262).
• Background in aerospace, automotive powertrain/actuation, or high-precision robotics.

Why Join Us?

• High Impact: See your software directly control hardware that moves, flies, and scales.
• Fast-Paced Culture: Move faster than traditional aerospace timelines alongside elite engineering talent.
• Competitive Package: Competitive base salary, equity participation, comprehensive health/dental/vision coverage, and 401(k) matching.

Work Environment & Compliance Notes

• Schedule: Standard business hours (approx. 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM) in a professional lab/office environment, with occasional deadline-driven flexibility.
• Travel: Minimal (<10%).
• Security Clearance / Export Control: Due to the nature of our aerospace projects, candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Work may be conducted in ITAR-regulated or classified environments.