Senior Controls Engineer, Vehicle Body and Access Systems

Lucid Motors; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity program

Discretionary annual cash incentive

Paid time off

401(k)

Job summary

Lucid Motors in Phoenix, AZ is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer for Vehicle Body and Access Systems. You will develop vehicle access control features, localization algorithms, and work across ECUs with embedded software engineers.

The role emphasizes model-based design, Kalman filtering, and ISO 26262 compliance. Join a cross-functional team focused on delivering high-end electric vehicles, with exposure to hardware bring-up, testing on vehicles, and feature calibration on a world-class

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field is required.
• 4+ years of experience with automotive control systems and advanced controls algorithms.
• Expert knowledge of model-based design using MATLAB/Simulink/Stateflow.
• Expert understanding of Automatic Control Systems with Kalman filtering and PID tuning.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and embedding into ECUs.
• Experience with standard development tools like JAMA/JIRA/Git/Confluence.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop control systems for vehicle access control features (lock/unlock, authentication).
• Implement and test control algorithms in Matlab/Simulink and transfer to embedded ECUs.
• Collaborate with simulation engineers to develop models for analysis and optimization.
• Assist integration and calibration of features in the vehicle and ECU code base.
• Support FMEA to comply with ISO 26262 and develop diagnostic interfaces.
• Contribute to the design of a world-class engineering effort for electrified vehicles.

Skills

Automotive control systems

Advanced controls algorithms

Kalman Filtering

C/C++

Embedded ECUs

Model-based design (Matlab/Simulink/

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer/electrical/mechanical engineering or automotive systems

Master's degree preferred

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink/Stateflow

JAMA/JIRA/Git/Confluence

CANalyzer/CANape

Job description

About Lucid

At Lucid, we are creating exceptional mobility experiences through innovation to drive the world forward. Built on Lucid’s proprietary technology and software-defined vehicle architecture, our award-winning vehicles bring our “Compromise Nothing™” approach to the global automotive market. That means refusing to choose between performance and sustainability, design and engineering, ambition and integrity. In Lucid Air and Lucid Gravity, we have designed and built vehicles that have redefined their segments, combining exceptional range, performance, design, and expansive space in a single experience.

We achieve this through deep vertical integration, with design, engineering, and production happening in-house across our global offices and manufacturing facilities. Our teams come from industries around the world, united by a shared commitment to excellence. By refusing to settle, you can help redefine what’s possible and shape the future of mobility.

Overview Job Title:

Senior Controls Engineer, Vehicle Body and Access Systems

About the Team

The Body Controls team is responsible for many of the vehicle features customers use every day, including access and security, closures, windows, mirrors, lighting, seating, power management, and diagnostics. The team develops and supports software across multiple ECUs and vehicle platforms, ensuring high-quality customer experiences from development through production and service.

This is a highly cross-functional team that works on embedded software development, diagnostics, vehicle integration, supplier management, new hardware bring-up, and production support. The team owns end-to-end delivery of body electronics features across multiple vehicle programs, offering engineers broad technical exposure and significant ownership of customer-facing vehicle functionality.

Responsibilities:

• Develop control systems for vehicle access control features; this includes vehicle lock/unlock, access device authentication, device localization through advanced controls algorithms such as kalman filters and bi/trilateralization.
• Develop requirements and related test cases for access control and other assigned features modeled in Matlab/Simulink.
• Collaborate with simulation engineers to improve or develop a simulation model/platform to analyze, optimize, and troubleshoot access control and localization algorithms.
• Assist in the integration of features into the controller code base. Test the developed software on the vehicle and assist in calibration of the features.
• Support Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) for various features to comply with ISO 26262 standards. Develop diagnostic, communication, and other interfaces across controllers/ECUs. Work in cross-functional teams to solve controls problems.
• Participate in the design of a world-class engineering effort to bring electric vehicles to a new level of refinement.

What You Bring

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, automotive systems, or related technical fields is required.
• 4+ years of experience with automotive control systems and knowledge of advanced controls algorithms; experience with vehicle access/ingress/egress control features and RF/BLE/UWB technologies is a plus.
• Expert knowledge of model-based design using Matlab/Simulink/Stateflow.
• Expert understanding of Automatic Control Systems, with a firm grasp of classical control theory tools like compensator design, Kalman Filtering, and PID tuning.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and integration into embedded ECUs.
• Experience with industry standard development tools such as JAMA/JIRA/Git/Confluence.
• Experience in working with cross-functional teams. Creativity in design, hands‑on ability, and strong communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with RF/BLE/UWB.
• Experience with kalman filters, machine learning and clustering techniques.
• Common understanding of ISO 26262 and Autosar.
• Experience in designing controllers for electric vehicle systems.
• Experience with CAN analysis tools like CANalyzer and CANape. Experience with Embedded Coder in Matlab/Simulink.
• Master's degree (or higher education) in computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, automotive systems, or related technical fields is preferred.

Work Location Requirement:

• This role is fully onsite at Lucid Phoenix Hub

Compensation & Benefits:

Lucid offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability coverage; paid time off; paid holidays, paid sick leave; and a 401(k) retirement plan. Hourly/non‑exempt employees accrue up to 120 hours paid time off, and salaried/exempt employee accrue up to 160 hours paid time off. Eligible employees may also participate in Lucid’s equity program and/or a discretionary annual cash incentive program. Incentive and equity awards, if applicable, are determined based on individual performance, role scope, market considerations, and overall company results, in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Equal Opportunity:

At Lucid, we believe diversity strengthens everything we build. Lucid Motors is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive workplace for all. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal laws and regulations.

Accessibility:

Lucid Motors is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need any accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at TA-Operations <@> lucidmotors.com.

This email address is designated solely for accommodation requests and is not monitored for job applications or resume submissions. To be considered for employment, all applications must be submitted through the Lucid Motors Careers website.

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To all recruitment agencies:

Lucid Motors does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to Lucid Motors. Lucid Motors is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.