Senior Controls Systems Engineer - Ninja

Sharkninjaoperatingllc; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with matching

Employee stock purchase program

Generous paid time off

Product discounts

Job summary

SharkNinjaoperatingllc is seeking a Senior Control Systems Engineer in Needham, MA, to lead the development of innovative control solutions for smart household appliances. This role involves designing algorithms, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating with various teams to ensure seamless integration of systems.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years of experience, a strong foundation in control systems, proficiency in Python and C/C++, and the ability to tackle complex engineering challenges. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of industry experience in control systems engineering.
• Deep understanding of classical and advanced control theory.
• Mid-level proficiency in Python, C/C++, and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Extensive experience developing and debugging embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of advanced control systems for consumer appliances.
• Design and develop control systems tailored for products.
• Apply advanced control strategies for real-time applications.
• Integrate machine learning methods to improve system performance.
• Collaborate with teams to develop comprehensive control solutions.

Skills

Control systems engineering

Python

C/C++

MATLAB/Simulink

Real-time systems

Embedded systems

Machine learning

Signal processing

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Computer Engineering

Job description

Senior Control Systems Engineer – Ninja

SharkNinja is seeking a Senior Control Systems Engineer to join our innovative Ninja team. We are looking for a technically strong, hands‑on engineer with a deep understanding of control systems, a passion for product innovation, and a proven track record in leading complex, cross‑functional projects from concept through mass production.

As a senior member of the Ninja Control Systems team, you will focus on developing real‑time optimization and control algorithms for low‑compute hardware that drive the next generation of smart household appliances. You will play a pivotal role in developing the smart systems that are the “brain” in our most complex and powerful new products. You will work closely with the Ninja R&D team, and together you will be responsible for the performance of our products and “how they work” – how a coffee maker makes coffee, how an air fryer cooks, how a blender blends, or how a new yet‑to‑be‑invented kitchen device does new kitchen device things. The Senior Control Systems Engineer is involved in the full product lifecycle from early‑stage concept development and prototyping all the way to mass production, continuously iterating and making improvements throughout the process. You will provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and own the control strategy and system design across multiple product lines. You will collaborate with R&D, Product Development, and Advanced Engineering to ensure seamless integration of electronics, software, and mechanical systems.

Essential Functions

• Leadership and Strategy: Lead the development of advanced control systems across diverse product platforms while mentoring multidisciplinary teams on best practices in architecture, modeling, and implementation.
• Design and Development: Design, develop, and test control systems tailored for consumer appliances. This includes integrating mechatronics principles to ensure the seamless operation of software and mechanical systems with electronic control.
• Advanced Control Techniques: Employ advanced control strategies, including PID, Model Predictive Control (MPC), adaptive control, and robust control, to address complex control challenges in real‑time applications in low‑compute devices.
• Signal Processing: Apply signal processing algorithms for noise reduction, feature extraction, and system optimization. This includes expertise in filter design, Fourier transforms, and spectral analysis to enhance the accuracy and reliability of control systems.
• Machine Learning Integration: Incorporate machine learning methods to improve system adaptability and performance. Familiarity with neural networks, reinforcement learning, and supervised/unsupervised learning techniques for predictive maintenance and system optimization is essential.
• Programming and Simulation: Utilizing programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, C++, and others relevant to control systems engineering. Using simulation and modeling of mechatronic systems to validate control strategies and design choices.
• Collaboration and Documentation: Work closely with cross‑functional teams to develop comprehensive control solutions. Develop and maintain thorough documentation, including functional specifications, design specifications, test plans, and procedures, to ensure project clarity and continuity.
• Embedded Systems: Design and implement robust, real‑time control solutions on embedded platforms, ensuring seamless integration of control algorithms with hardware. Troubleshoot complex system‑level issues across firmware, hardware, and control layers.

Attributes

• Strong theoretical understanding of control systems’ fundamentals and the ability to apply this to deliver robust, elegant, and innovative solutions to real‑world control challenges.
• Solid analytical skills, attention to detail, and relentless drive to identify potential problems and take responsibility for their resolution.
• Intellectual curiosity and creativity, strong logical thinking skills, and a positive can‑do attitude.
• Willingness to roll up sleeves and get your hands dirty testing and troubleshooting issues.
• Ability to clearly, effectively, and concisely communicate with both technical and non‑technical colleagues both verbally and in writing.
• Comfortable multitasking and responding quickly to shifting priorities without losing sight of longer‑term projects and goals.

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of industry experience in control systems engineering, including end‑to‑end product development, from concept through production.
• Deep understanding of classical and advanced control theory, including PID, MPC, adaptive, and robust control methods, with a strong track record of real‑world implementation.
• Mid-level proficiency in Python, C/C++, and MATLAB/Simulink for algorithm development, simulation, and embedded control deployment.
• Extensive experience developing and debugging embedded systems, including firmware architecture, and real‑time operating systems (RTOS).
• Proficient with analog and digital electronics, sensors, actuators, motor drivers, power electronics, and test equipment commonly used in electromechanical systems and small appliances.
• Demonstrated competency in electromechanical prototyping using platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or custom embedded solutions.
• Experienced in using industry‑standard development tools, source control (e.g., Git), and documentation platforms.
• Skilled in preparing and delivering technical documentation, design reviews, and project plans for cross‑functional teams and stakeholders.
• This is a hands‑on, in‑person role based at our Needham, MA office due to close work with prototypes and lab‑based development.

Salary and Other Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $115,000—$130,000 USD. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts (HSA) with company contribution, 401(k) retirement plan with matching, employee stock purchase program, life insurance, AD&D, short‑term disability insurance, long‑term disability insurance, generous paid time off, company holidays, parental leave, identity theft protection, pet insurance, pre‑paid legal insurance, back‑up child and eldercare days, product discounts, referral bonus program, and more.

Candidate Privacy Notice

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• For candidates based in Vietnam, please refer to this Candidate Privacy Notice.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other class protected by legislation, and local law. SharkNinja will consider reasonable accommodations consistent with legislation, and local law. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact SharkNinja People & Culture at [e-mail].