Senior Model-Based Control Software Engineer - Ninja

About Us
SharkNinja is a global product design and technology company, with a diversified portfolio of 5-star rated lifestyle solutions that positively impact people's lives in homes around the world. Powered by two trusted, global brands, Shark and Ninja, the company has a proven track record of bringing disruptive innovation to market and developing one consumer product after another has allowed SharkNinja to enter multiple product categories, driving significant growth and market share gains. Headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts with more than 4,100 associates, the company's products are sold at key retailers, online and offline, and through distributors around the world.
AI at SharkNinja
At SharkNinja, we're building an AI-native culture. We're not waiting for the future; we're creating it. Our people are expected to experiment boldly, adopt new tools, and continuously raise what's possible to create meaningful impact for our consumers. If you believe the best way to do your job hasn't been invented yet, you'll fit right in.
Senior Model-Based Control Software Engineer - Ninja
SharkNinja is seeking a Senior Model-Based Control Software Engineer to join the Ninja Controls team. We're looking for a technically strong, hands-on engineer with a deep understanding of control systems and model-based design, a passion for product innovation, and a track record of taking complex control problems from concept through mass production.
You will develop real-time control algorithms for low-compute, cost-constrained hardware that drives the next generation of smart household appliances. You will own the system models that serve as the single source of truth - from plant dynamics through embedded deployment, and provide technical leadership across multiple product lines. You will collaborate closely with R&D, Product Development, and Advanced Engineering to integrate electronics, software, and mechanical systems into shippable products, iterating continuously throughout the lifecycle.
What You'll Do

• Plant modeling & simulation : Build and maintain physics-based plant models in MATLAB/Simulink (or equivalent MBD toolchain) that capture the dynamic behavior of electromechanical systems and serve as the executable spec for requirements, design, and validation.

• Control design & deployment : Apply classical control theory and physics-first reasoning to design, simulate, and field-tune controllers for consumer appliances under tight power, compute, and BOM constraints. Take controllers from bench to product.

• Sensors & sensor firmware : Select, characterize, and work with low-cost sensors. Develop the sensor processing and firmware needed to make them reliable in production.

• Embedded deployment : Generate production-quality embedded code from models (Simulink Embedded Coder, or AI-assisted code generation with appropriate guardrails). Own the production-readiness of generated code - memory, timing, robustness, and testability.

• AI / ML & optimization : Apply machine learning and optimization techniques where they earn their place. A working understanding of modern AI tooling and how it fits into a controls workflow is expected.

• Technical leadership : Own the control strategy across product lines, mentor junior engineers, and partner with embedded software to keep model and code in sync.

Required Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.

• 5+ years developing and deploying control systems on real products - concept through mass production.

• Strong grounding in classical control theory and physics-based system modeling.

• Hands-on experience with MATLAB/Simulink (or comparable MBD environment) for plant modeling, controller design, and closed-loop simulation.

• Proven track record deploying embedded controllers to cost- and compute-constrained hardware - consumer appliances or similarly resource-tight field deployments strongly preferred.

• Practical experience with low-cost sensors and the firmware required to make them production-grade.

• Working proficiency in C/C++ and one of Python or MATLAB.

• Familiarity with auto-code generation (Embedded Coder or equivalent) and/or AI-assisted code generation, with a clear understanding of what production-ready code requires.

Nice to Have

• Experience with advanced control techniques (MPC, adaptive, robust, or learning-based control) deployed on embedded systems.

• Background in motor control, thermal systems, or fluid dynamics.

• Experience mentoring engineers and owning control architecture across multiple products.

Attributes

• Strong theoretical understanding of control systems fundamentals and the ability to apply it to deliver robust, elegant, and innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

• Strong intuition for system dynamics and the ability to translate physical behavior into mathematical models.

• Solid analytical skills, attention to detail, and a relentless drive to identify potential problems and take responsibility for their resolution.

• Intellectual curiosity, creativity, strong logical thinking, and a positive can-do attitude.

• Willingness to roll up sleeves and get your hands dirty testing and troubleshooting in the lab.

• Clear, concise communicator with both technical and non-technical colleagues - verbally and in writing.

• Comfortable multitasking and responding quickly to shifting priorities without losing sight of longer-term goals.

Location
This is a hands-on, in-person role based at our Needham, MA office due to close work with prototypes and lab-based development.
Salary and Other Compensation: The annual salary range for this position is displayed below. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts (HSA) with company contribution, 401(k) retirement plan with matching, employee stock purchase program, life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, generous paid time off, company holidays, parental leave, identity theft protection, pet insurance, pre-paid legal insurance, back-up child and eldercare days, product discounts, referral bonus program, and more.
Pay Range
$115,000-$130,000 USD
Our Culture
At SharkNinja, we don't just raise the bar-we push past it every single day. Our Outrageously Extraordinary mindset drives us to tackle the impossible, push boundaries, and deliver results that others only dream of. If you thrive on breaking out of your swim lane, you'll be right at home.
What We Offer
We offer competitive health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, employee stock purchase options, wellness programs, SharkNinja product discounts, and more. We empower your personal and professional growth with high impact Learning Programs featuring bold voices redefining what's possible. When you join, you're not just part of a company-you're part of an outrageously extraordinary community. Together, we won't just launch products-we'll disrupt entire markets.
At SharkNinja, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are vital to our global success. Valuing each unique voice and blending all of our diverse skills strengthens SharkNinja's innovation every day. We support ALL associates in bringing their authentic selves to work, making an impact, and having the opportunity for career acceleration. With help from our leadership, associates, and our community, we aim to have equity be a key component of the SharkNinja DNA.
Learn more about us:
Life At SharkNinja
Outrageously Extraordinary
SharkNinja Candidate Privacy Notice

• For candidates based in all regions, please refer to this Candidate Privacy Notice.
• For candidates based in China, please refer to this Candidate Privacy Notice.
• For candidates based in Vietnam, please refer to this Candidate Privacy Notice.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other class protected by legislation, and local law. SharkNinja will consider reasonable accommodations consistent with legislation, and local law. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact SharkNinja People & Culture at [email protected]