Atomic Machines is seeking an experienced Staff Motion Controls Software Engineer to develop and lead motion control systems for their new automated manufacturing platform, which uses robotics as a key building block. The goal is to shape the software architecture for control systems and grow in both leadership and technical depth.
Requirements
- 5+ years of hands-on experience designing and implementing motor control systems, with demonstrated expertise in BLDC and stepper motor control.
- Deep knowledge of classical and modern control theory, including PID tuning, feedforward control, observer design, and system identification techniques.
- Proven experience with motor control hardware and their associated software interfaces.
- Strong background in control system modeling, including transfer functions, state-space representation, and frequency domain analysis.
- Experience developing automated system identification algorithms and auto-tuning methodologies for motor control systems
- Proven track record of building user-friendly engineering tools and interfaces for non-software users, with focus on motor bring-up and diagnostics.
- Proficiency in real-time embedded programming (C/C++) for motor control applications, with understanding of deterministic systems and timing constraints.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and implementation of motor control systems for Atomic Machines' advanced manufacturing platform, focusing on precision motion control for micron-scale manufacturing processes.
- Develop and optimize control algorithms for custom motion controllers, ensuring compatibility with BLDC and stepper motors across various manufacturing applications.
- Design controller architectures from the ground up, including system modeling, transfer function analysis, and comprehensive gain tuning for optimal performance and stability.
- Build automated motor bring-up tools and software interfaces that enable non-software engineers to bring up new motors, including automated system identification, gain tuning, and performance validation.
- Develop user-friendly calibration and diagnostic tools that streamline the motor integration process and reduce time-to-deployment for new manufacturing systems.
- Implement real-time control software in embedded environments, with emphasis on deterministic behavior and low-latency response for precision manufacturing requirements.
- Collaborate with hardware teams to specify motor and drive requirements, conduct system identification, and validate control performance through testing and analysis.
Other
- A first-principles mindset — you question assumptions, reframe problems from the ground up, and approach challenges with a foundational understanding rather than relying solely on precedent.
- MS or PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronic Engineering, or related field with focus on controls/motor systems, or equivalent work experience.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently on complex technical challenges.
- This role has the opportunity to shape the software architecture for control systems and grow in both leadership and technical depth.
- This role is physically based Monday-Friday in our Santa Clara or Emeryville office.
