Senior Real-Time/Controls Software Engineer

What You’ll Do:

We are seeking a Senior Real-Time / Controls Software Engineer to lead development of deterministic real-time control software supporting high-speed electromechanical aerospace systems. This role will own motor-control implementation, release timing logic, safety interlocks, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) integration for critical system functions. The ideal candidate understands both controls theory and low-level real-time software implementation and can translate GNC, MATLAB/Simulink, and Python-based models into reliable embedded flight-like control software operating in a fast-paced hardware development environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop deterministic real-time control software for electromechanical aerospace systems  


• Own motor-control implementation, release timing logic, and safety interlock architecture  


• Translate MATLAB/Simulink and Python-based control models into production-quality real-time software  


• Support development and integration of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) related algorithms  


• Design and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and integration activities  


• Work closely with GNC, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams during development and test  


• Support integration, debugging, and validation of control systems on prototype hardware  


• Develop software interfaces for sensors, actuators, motor controllers, and embedded hardware systems  


• Support system-level testing, troubleshooting, and rapid iteration during development campaigns  


• Participate in technical reviews, architecture discussions, and safety-critical design decisions  

What It Takes:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related field OR Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field 


• 5+ years of experience in embedded software, controls software, or real-time systems development  


• Strong understanding of real-time software architecture and deterministic system behavior  


• Experience with motor controls, actuator systems, or embedded control loops  


• Experience working with MATLAB/Simulink and translating models into deployable software  


• Strong programming experience in C/C++ and Python  


• Experience supporting integration and testing of hardware/software systems  

What We’d Love:

• Aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems background  


• Experience with HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) simulation and testing  


• Familiarity with GNC algorithms and controls development workflows  


• Experience supporting high-speed dynamic systems or safety-critical systems  


• Familiarity with embedded Linux, RTOS, FPGA interfaces, or low-level hardware communication protocols  


• Startup or rapid-prototyping experience preferred


• Real-time embedded systems  


• Control loop implementation  


• Motor controllers and actuator interfaces  


• Sensor integration and signal processing  


• Simulation and modeling workflows  


• System debugging and integration testing  


• Cross-functional engineering collaboration  

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  The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year).