Senior Controls Engineer - Heavy Machinery Autonomy

AIM; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

AIM is seeking a Controls Engineer to develop control systems for heavy equipment. You will design, implement, and tune controllers to achieve precise machine motion while handling varying loads and terrain.

You’ll validate on real machines, work with hardware teams, and contribute to safe operation and robust performance across deployments. You will be responsible for modeling actuator dynamics, running experiments, and building calibration procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience designing, implementing, and tuning controllers on physical systems.
• Strong foundation in feedback control, dynamic systems, stability, and discrete-time implementation.
• Practical experience with modeling, system identification, and experimental validation.
• Proficiency in C++ and experience with Python or MATLAB for analysis and development.
• Ability to diagnose problems across software, sensors, actuators, and mechanical systems.
• Clear communication, strong ownership, and a willingness to work hands-on with machines.

Responsibilities

• Develop machine control algorithms for precise, coordinated motion.
• Characterize machine dynamics through experiments and modeling.
• Deliver production controls software with reliable interfaces and tests.
• Validate performance on real machines with field testing and telemetry analysis.
• Collaborate with software, electrical, mechanical, and field teams and work with safety engineers to define command limits and fault responses.

Skills

C++

Python

MATLAB

Control theory

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering/Robotics

Tools

Python

MATLAB

CAN

Real-time software

Simulink

Job description

AIM is seeking a Controls Engineer to develop control systems for heavy equipment. You will design, implement, and tune controllers to achieve precise machine motion while handling varying loads and terrain.

You’ll validate on real machines, work with hardware teams, and contribute to safe operation and robust performance across deployments. You will be responsible for modeling actuator dynamics, running experiments, and building calibration procedures.