Robotics Control Systems Engineer - Optimal Inc.

Job Title: Robotics Control Systems Engineer

Job Description:

We are seeking talented, experienced, and driven Robotics Control Systems Engineer to join our team on a contract basis. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing control systems for autonomous applications. This role will involve control systems design, embedded software development, and real-time system integration with a focus on driving costs down for mass production.

As part of a team creating advanced robotic and mechatronic solutions, you will participate in all aspects of control systems engineering, including architecture definition, requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, and documentation. Collaboration with hardware and software teams is key to delivering robust, scalable systems.

Job Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and implement control algorithms for autonomous navigation and motion planning.
• Research, test and iterate cost-effective motor control solutions to reduce hardware cost.
• Work with ROS (Robot Operating System) for integrating control systems, navigation, and perception modules.
• Develop and optimize control software with motor drive and ROS environments.
• Implement motor control algorithms and integrate sensor data, e.g., encoder, for precise trajectory tracking.
• Work with communications protocols (e.g., CAN, ETHERNET/IP) to interface with peripheral devices.
• Perform testing, tuning, and troubleshooting of control systems using simulation environments and real-world tests.
• Optimize control systems for performance, stability, and cost for production.
• Use software configuration management tools (e.g., Git) to ensure version control and collaboration.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers on the integration of electronics, sensors, and actuators.
• Ensure control systems meet safety and compliance standards for deployment in manufacturing and warehouse environments.

• Proactively and continuously seeking feedback and improvement to solve problems.

Skills and Requirements:

• Education: BS/MS in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience: 3-5 years of relevant experience in control systems for Robotics, particularly ground robot.
• Control Systems Knowledge: Strong understanding of control theory, motor control, and PID tuning.
• Embedded Systems: Experience with embedded system development, including device drivers and real-time operating systems.
• Software: Proficient in C/C++ or Python or Matlab/Simulink, and ROS for Robotics applications.
• Hardware: Practical experience with motor control, sensor interfacing, and electronics fundamentals, including debugging and testing with tools such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.

Nice to Have:

• Experience with motion planning and obstacle avoidance algorithms (e.g., A*, RRT)
• Experience with unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) or other autonomous systems in industrial applications.
• Familiarity with localization, mapping (SLAM), and autonomous navigation techniques.
• Knowledge of software safety standards and practices for robotic systems.
• Experience with mass production for hardware and software integration.