Lead Controls Engineer (UAVs)

Role Summary<\/span><\/b><\/div>
As Lead Controls Engineer, <\/b>\u200byou will own the control systems architecture<\/b>, guide algorithm development (attitude, trajectory, and mission\-level control), and lead a team of controls engineers<\/b>. This role combines technical depth<\/b> in flight dynamics and control theory with leadership responsibilities<\/b>, including mentoring, roadmap development, and cross\-team collaboration with firmware, autonomy, and systems integration teams.
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Roles and Responsibilities<\/span><\/b><\/div>
Control System Design & Development<\/span><\/b><\/span>
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Architect, implement, and optimize control systems for attitude, altitude, velocity, and trajectory tracking<\/b>.
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Develop both low\-level controllers<\/b> (motor commands, stabilization) and high\-level controllers<\/b> (trajectory following, waypoint tracking).
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Model and analyze UAV dynamics under variable payloads and flight conditions.
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Explore and implement advanced control methods (e.g., LQR, MPC, adaptive control, fault\-tolerant control).
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Continuous Improvement & Research<\/span><\/b>
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Stay updated with the state of the art in control systems<\/b>, UAV dynamics, and adaptive/autonomous control methods.
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Drive innovation by evaluating new algorithms (e.g., AI/ML\-enhanced control strategies).
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Ensure documentation, safety standards, and compliance with UAV regulatory requirements.
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Simulation, Testing & Tuning<\/span><\/b>
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Lead the use of simulation environments<\/b> (MATLAB/Simulink, Gazebo, AirSim, SITL/HIL) for validation.
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Define test cases and metrics for control performance, robustness, and safety.
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Oversee parameter tuning<\/b> and log analysis during lab and field flight testing.
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Cross\-Functional Collaboration<\/span><\/b>
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Work closely with:
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Firmware engineers<\/b> to ensure low\-level control implementation on embedded hardware.
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Autonomy engineers<\/b> to connect planners with trajectory controllers.
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Perception & sensor fusion teams<\/b> to leverage accurate state estimation for stable control.
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Flight test team<\/b> to validate and iterate in real\-world conditions.
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Requirements<\/h3>
Qualifications<\/span><\/b><\/div>
Master\u2019s or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Controls, Robotics, or related field<\/b>.
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6\u201310 years<\/b> of experience in control systems for robotics or UAVs.
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Strong expertise in:
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Classical control (PID, cascaded loops).
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Modern control (LQR, MPC, nonlinear/adaptive control).
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State estimation and dynamics modeling.
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Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink<\/b>, C++<\/b>, and Python<\/b>.
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Hands\-on experience with PX4, ArduPilot<\/b>, or custom autopilot stacks.
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Proven experience with real\-world tuning<\/b> and analyzing UAV flight logs.
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Preferred Qualifications<\/span><\/b><\/div>
Experience leading small teams or projects.
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Familiarity with fault\-tolerant and redundant control architectures<\/b>.
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Knowledge of certifiable RTOS environments<\/b> (SafeRTOS, INTEGRITY).
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Hands\-on flight testing of UAVs (quadrotors, VTOLs, fixed\-wing).
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Contributions to control\-related research, publications, or open\-source projects.
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Benefits<\/h3>
What We Offer<\/span><\/b><\/div>
Technical leadership role at the heart of Unmannd\u2019s flight systems.
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Direct impact on real\-world UAV performance and reliability.
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Access to real hardware platforms, flight ranges, and simulations.
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Collaborative startup culture with opportunities to grow into Head of Controls / Autonomy<\/b>.
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Competitive salary and equity options.
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