The Role
Design, simulate, analyze, tune, and verify control systems for extra‑terrestrial rovers (mobility, robotic arms, antenna pointing). Build and mature simulations, prototype controllers, support sensor/actuator selection, convert prototypes to flight code, and perform integrated hardware/software testing and calibration.
Summary Generated by Built In
Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
Astrolab is seeking a Rover Control Systems Engineer to support development of control systems for extra-terrestrial rovers such as vehicle mobility system control, robotic arm control, and high gain communication antenna pointing control. Control system development will include initial simulation and design of vehicle control systems, control system performance analysis, gain tuning, and supporting software and integrated hardware/software development and testing.
Note: Some travel may be required for this position
Astrolab is seeking a Rover Control Systems Engineer to support development of control systems for extra-terrestrial rovers such as vehicle mobility system control, robotic arm control, and high gain communication antenna pointing control. Control system development will include initial simulation and design of vehicle control systems, control system performance analysis, gain tuning, and supporting software and integrated hardware/software development and testing.
Note: Some travel may be required for this position
What you'll do:
- Work with stakeholders to define control system requirements from vehicle and subsystem level functional and performance requirements
- Support design, analysis, develop, tune, verification, and validation of vehicle control systems
- Build system simulations for controller design, analysis and tuning in appropriate tools (e.g. Matlab, Simulink, Python) and mature simulations as additional test data becomes available
- Design and prototype appropriate controllers that meet the defined requirements using simulations and control system design tools (e.g. Matlab control system toolbox)
- Support sizing and selection of integrated robotic control system components (sensors and actuators) such as motion sensors, cameras, motor encoders, motors, and similar
- Analyze and tune controller performance, stability, and robustness using the system simulations, testbeds, and test data
- Develop control system documentation and work with vehicle software team to convert controller prototypes into flight code, including supporting unit and integrated testing of flight implementations
- Support calibration of integrated hardware/robotic control systems (e.g. robotic arm calibration)
What you'll bring:
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) related field
- 5+ years of robotic control system development
- Experience building, testing, and validating control system simulation and analysis tools
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience analyzing and tuning performance of robotic control systems
- Experience working with testbeds for testing control systems on flight-like hardware
- Experience with Matlab/Simulink and Matlab control systems toolbox or equivalent control system design and analysis software
Benefits and Perks
- Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
- Equity ownership in the company
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Flexible PTO and parental leave
- Home office set up reimbursement
- Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
- Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks
About
Having a strong, inclusive, and inspired team is essential to accomplishing our bold mission. Employees are our biggest asset, and we are deeply committed to them and our values. At Astrolab we…Demonstrate and inspire trust. Interactions are direct, honest, and respectful. We are fair and transparent with what we do and why.Thrive in balance. Balance gives us perspective and keeps us motivated and inspired. We commit to rewarding work and a fulfilling personal life. Seek diverse perspectives. We ask questions, engage in productive debate and offer alternatives to ensure our solutions and products are robust and a reflection of our collective best.Move with purpose. Quality and reliability are accomplished through efficient ideation and iteration. We act with a sense of urgency and deliver what we promise, always with the big picture in mind.Make an impact. We intentionally move our community and industry into the future through our work, practices, and actions.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM field
- 5+ years of robotic control system development
- Experience building, testing, and validating control system simulation and analysis tools
- Experience analyzing and tuning performance of robotic control systems
- Experience working with testbeds for testing control systems on flight-like hardware
- Experience with Matlab/Simulink and Matlab control systems toolbox or equivalent
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The Company
What We Do
Astrolab designs and develops robotic mobility systems for planetary exploration, deploying surface mobility and infrastructure to enable sustained human and commercial operations on the Moon and Mars.
