Embedded Firmware & Flight Control Engineer

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Allenspark (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Colorado Boulder seeks an Embedded Firmware and Flight Control Engineer to design and implement bio-inspired flight control architectures on aerial platforms and lead flight demonstrations. You will bridge theory to on-board software, work with custom controllers, and ensure safe, reliable UAS demonstrations for stakeholders.

The role requires a PhD and hands-on experience with embedded C++, RTOS, Ardupilot, PX4, ROS2, and drone systems, including CAN/I2C/SPI/UART interfaces and

Qualifications

• PhD in engineering, robotics, or computer science.
• Experience with embedded C++ (RTOS), python, Ardupilot, PX4, ROS2.
• Hands-on experience with low-level interfaces including CAN, SPI, I2C, and UART.
• Solid grasp of control theory, PID/modern feedback loops, and state estimation filters (Kalman filters, Extended State/ Error-State Kalman Filters).
• Hands-on experience implementing and deploying embedded custom controllers onboard flight platforms (e.g. quadrotors).
• Experience piloting drones and working with motion capture systems and data.
• Understanding of internet protocols, with networking experience working with multi-device systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, write, and test low-level C++ code on microcontrollers/microprocessors.
• Write custom control architecture code and tune control loops for flight performance.
• Troubleshoot circuit boards and communication protocols (CAN, I2C, UART, etc.).
• Configure real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Set up, launch, and execute flight demonstrations for stakeholders.

Skills

Embedded C++

RTOS

Python

ArduPilot

PX4

ROS2

CAN

SPI

I2C

UART

Control theory

Kalman filters

State estimation

Flight controllers

Drones piloting

Networking

Education

PhD in engineering, robotics, or computer science

Tools

ArduPilot

PX4

ROS2

Job description

Job Summary

The Bio-Inspired Perception and Robotics Laboratory (BPRL) isseeking an Embedded Firmware and Flight Control Engineer. Thesuccessful candidate will design and implement novel bio-inspiredflight control architectures (inner and outer loop) on aerialplatforms and execute flight demonstrations for stakeholders. Theengineer will help bridge the gap between theoretical controllerdesign, development, and implementation of aerial platform on-boardhardware and software. They will also help to implement andtroubleshoot custom control architectures, and act as the pointperson for demonstrations showcasing advanced UAS capabilities,including computer vision, sensor fusion, navigation, ensuringevery demonstration is safe, reliable, and representative of thetechnologies being showcased.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governingnondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating aworkplace where all individuals are treated with respect anddignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities.

Who We Are

The Bio-Inspired Perception and Robotics Laboratory (BPRL) is afacility in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and theRobotics Graduate Program at the University of Colorado, Boulderthat conducts research and development in the areas of fieldrobotics and biologically inspired robotics. We seek to distill thefundamental sensing, processing and feedback principles that governrobust behavior in organisms to enable new classes of roboticsystems with improved agility, locomotion and autonomy.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The successful candidate will design, write, and test low-level C++code on microcontrollers/microprocessors, write custom controlarchitecture code and tune control loops for desired flightperformance, troubleshoot circuit boards and communicationprotocols (CAN, I2C, UART, etc.), and configure real-time operatingsystems (RTOS). The candidate will also be responsible for settingup, launching, and executing flight demonstrations forstakeholders.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary range for this appointment will be $70,000 -$80,000.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we arecommitted to supporting the holistic health and well-being of ouremployees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical,dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuitionassistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for localtransit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulderoffers an inspiring academic community and access to world-classoutdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs throughthe CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be strategic. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

PhD in engineering, robotics, or computer science.

What You Will Need

• Experience with embedded C++ (&RTOS), python, Ardupilot,PX4, ROS2.
• Hands-on experience with low-level interfaces including CAN,SPI, I2C, and UART.
• Solid grasp of control theory, PID/modern feedback loops, andstate estimation filters (Kalman filters, ExtendedState/Error-State Kalman Filters).
• Hands-on experience implementing and deploying embedded customcontrollers onboard flight platforms (e.g. quadrotors).
• Experience piloting drones and working with motion capturesystems and data.
• Understanding of internet protocols, with networking experienceworking with multi-device systems.