Principal Controls Engineer

AIM builds autonomy for the real worldrobots that move mountains. Our systems bring together software hardware and robotics to turn heavy equipment into intelligent machines that reshape how earthmoving is done.

Controls connect our autonomy software to the physical machine. Our machines need to move precisely and predictably while digging soil moving rock and working across changing terrain. That means dealing with varying loads nonlinear actuator behavior uncertain ground conditions and the realities of operating heavy equipment on active jobsites.

Were looking for a Controls Engineer to develop the control systems that make these machines capable reliable and safe.

You enjoy taking a controls problem from understanding the physics through implementation testing and deployment. Youre comfortable developing models writing production software and working directly with hardware to understand why a machine behaves the way it does.

You have strong control fundamentals and practical experience making physical systems perform reliably. You use experiments and data to challenge assumptions diagnose problems and improve performance.

You take ownership of results and work well across software electrical mechanical and field teams. Youre curious about heavy machinery and eager to learn its dynamics.

We will build control systems that turn autonomous plans into precise coordinated machine motion. Our work will span simulation test equipment and deployed machines with field results guiding each improvement.

Youll help solve problems where control theory meets changing loads actuator limits sensor noise and contact with the ground. Youll see your work move real machines and directly improve how they operate.

• Design implement and tune feedback and feedforward controllers for machine motion and implement control.

• Translate motion targets into coordinated actuator commands that account for machine dynamics and operating limits.

• Improve tracking accuracy responsiveness stability and repeatability across operating conditions.

• Design and run experiments to understand actuator response delays friction deadbands and load-dependent behavior.

• Develop models and system identification methods that support controller design and tuning.

• Build calibration and tuning procedures that can be repeated across machines.

• Implement reliable control software with clear interfaces diagnostics and automated tests.

• Collaborate with planning state estimation embedded and hardware teams to integrate controllers into the autonomy system.

• Work with systems and safety engineers to define and validate command limits fault responses and transitions between operating modes.

• Develop tests that progress from simulation and bench testing to controlled machine trials.

• Analyze telemetry and field logs to identify root causes and verify improvements.

• Establish measurable performance criteria and regression tests.

• Work directly with field engineers and operators to troubleshoot issues and improve deployed machine behavior.

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Robotics Aerospace Engineering or a related field or equivalent practical experience.

• Experience designing implementing and tuning controllers on physical systems.

• Strong foundation in feedback control dynamic systems stability and discrete-time implementation.

• Practical experience with modeling system identification and experimental validation.

• Proficiency in C and experience with Python or MATLAB for analysis and development.

• Ability to diagnose problems across software sensors actuators and mechanical systems.

• Clear communication strong ownership and a willingness to work hands-on with machines.

• Experience with heavy equipment off-road vehicles mobile robotics or other systems operating under variable loads.

• Familiarity with model predictive control optimal control nonlinear control or adaptive control.

• Experience with real-time or embedded control software and machine communication interfaces such as CAN.

• Experience with hydraulic or electrohydraulic systems including valves pumps cylinders or hydraulic actuator control.

• Experience with simulation hardware-in-the-loop testing or automated controller calibration.

• Experience developing fault detection and safe operating behavior for physical systems.

Required Experience:

Staff IC