The Job:
We are seeking an exceptional and innovative Controls Engineer to design, develop, and implement control systems for our unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in control theory and hands-on experience with UAV systems. Experience applying machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) to enhance autonomous navigation, path planning, and flight performance is a distinct advantage.
What You'll Do:
Flight Control System Design: Design, implement, and test advanced control algorithms for UAVs to ensure stability, maneuverability, and reliable performance.
Modeling and Simulation: Create and maintain dynamic flight models for various UAV platforms to simulate and validate control strategies.
Path Planning and Autonomy: Integrate path planning algorithms for autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, and optimal flight route generation.
ML/DL Integration: Apply machine learning and deep learning techniques to enhance flight control and dynamic flight models.
Embedded Systems: Develop and optimize robust, compute-constrained code for embedded systems, ensuring reliability and real-time performance.
Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing: Conduct comprehensive system testing, including Hardware-in-the-Loop simulations and flight testing, to validate control system performance.
Troubleshooting and Optimization: Analyze flight data to troubleshoot system issues, optimize control parameters, and continuously improve overall performance.
Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, software, and systems engineers, to deliver high-quality and reliable drone solutions.
What You Bring:
EITHER PhD & 2+ years of work experience: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related field AND 2+ years of hands-on experience in control system design, modeling, and simulation.
OR Masters & 5-8+ years work experience: Masters in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related field AND 5-8+ years of hands-on experience in control system design, modeling, and simulation.
Strong proficiency in programming languages like C++ and Python.
Familiarity with embedded systems and real-time operating systems
Bonus Points For:
Hands-on experience with UAVs, autopilots (e.g., PX4, ArduPilot, Betaflight), and sensor integration.
Experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) for robotics or autonomous systems.
Knowledge of computer vision principles and techniques.
Familiarity with aviation regulations and safety protocols.
What We Offer:
Competitive Salary – Reflective of your skills and experience
Equity Compensation – Be a part-owner in the company's future
Comprehensive Health Coverage – Including medical, dental, and vision plans
Health Savings Account (HSA) – Optional pre-tax savings for medical expenses
Unlimited PTO – Flexible time off to recharge, plus paid company holidays
About Us
Seneca is building cutting-edge drone and sensor technology for wildfire suppression, aiming to eliminate wildfire risk across 500 million acres of high-risk U.S. + allied territory. Backed by top-tier investors, including Convective Capital, Caffeinated Capital, First Round Capital, Slow Ventures, Nextview Ventures, Transition Capital, Bullpen Capital, Stepstone Group, Roar Capital, Offline Ventures, and leaders from Palantir, Google, Meta, and many others. Founded by Stu Landesberg (former Founder & CEO of Grove Collaborative — IPO in 2022 at $1.7B) and fire industry experts, Seneca is a mission-driven company dedicated to climate resilience and fire prevention.
Don’t meet every single requirement? If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply — you may still be the right fit for our team.
Skills Required
- PhD or Masters in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related field
- 2+ years of hands-on experience in control system design, modeling, and simulation
- Strong proficiency in programming languages like C++ and Python
- Familiarity with embedded systems and real-time operating systems
What We Do
Seneca is a resilience technology and infrastructure company. We create autonomous drones and AI-driven software to support firefighters and protect the things we love. Our mission is to eliminate wildfire threat across 500 million acres in the US and allied nations. We do so by building products that support the firefighter in use cases that were previously unsafe, inefficient, or impossible. We prioritize innovations that protect lives, property, and ecosystems. Our focus is on both initial attack operations and beneficial fire support to create a balanced wildland fire cycle over next the coming decades.
