Senior Software Engineer (Controls)

Location

Sausalito

Employment Type

Full time

Location Type

On-site

Department

Engineering

Compensation

• $140K – $200K • Offers Equity

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

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 eliminating the $1 trillion threat of wildfire across 500 million acres with AI‑powered autonomous drone systems. Imagine a world where firefighters can respond to a blaze in under 6 minutes using autonomous suppression technology. That's the world Seneca is building. We’re combining the deep expertise of seasoned fire professionals with the innovation of billion‑dollar technology builders to create advanced systems that save lives, property, and natural resources.

This is more than a job—it's a mission to transform safety across 500 million acres. Whatever your background, if you’re a builder, an innovator, or a problem‑solver, you belong here.

Compensation Range: $140K - $200K