Senior Motor Control Engineer – UAV Propulsion & Autonomy

Knightwerx; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Knightwerx is hiring a Staff Motor Control Engineer to lead development and validation of advanced motor control algorithms and electric propulsion control systems for Group 1-3 UAV platforms.

You will develop highly efficient propulsion architectures, fault-tolerant control, and flight-critical software while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure mission success and system reliability. This role is based in the United States with a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience developing motor control systems, electric propulsion systems, power electronics, or embedded controls.
• Strong understanding of BLDC motors, PMSM motors, Field Oriented Control (FOC) and digital control theory.
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and model-based design.
• Experience developing controls on embedded hardware platforms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize motor control algorithms for UAV propulsion systems.
• Design, implement, and tune Field Oriented Control (FOC) and sensorless strategies.
• Improve propulsion efficiency, thermal performance, and aircraft endurance.
• Collaborate with GNC, Embedded Software, Avionics, and Systems Engineering teams.
• Interface with ESCs, power electronics, batteries, and aircraft power systems.
• Support development of flight-critical and mission-critical control software.

Skills

C/C++

Motor control

Embedded controls

System identification

FOC/Digital control

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering or Robotics

Tools

PX4

ArduPilot

UAVCAN

MAVLink

Job description

Knightwerx is hiring a Staff Motor Control Engineer to lead development and validation of advanced motor control algorithms and electric propulsion control systems for Group 1-3 UAV platforms.

You will develop highly efficient propulsion architectures, fault-tolerant control, and flight-critical software while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure mission success and system reliability. This role is based in the United States with a fast-paced startup environment.