Senior Software Engineer (Controls)

Department: Engineering

Location: Sausalito

Compensation: $140K – $200K • Offers Equity

Employment Type: FullTime

The Job:

We are seeking an exceptional and innovative Controls Engineer to design, develop, and implement control systems for our unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in control theory and hands-on experience with UAV systems. Experience applying machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) to enhance autonomous navigation, path planning, and flight performance is a distinct advantage.

What You'll Do:

• Flight Control System Design: Design, implement, and test advanced control algorithms for UAVs to ensure stability, maneuverability, and reliable performance.

• Modeling and Simulation: Create and maintain dynamic flight models for various UAV platforms to simulate and validate control strategies.

• Path Planning and Autonomy: Integrate path planning algorithms for autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, and optimal flight route generation.

• ML/DL Integration: Apply machine learning and deep learning techniques to enhance flight control and dynamic flight models.

• Embedded Systems: Develop and optimize robust, compute-constrained code for embedded systems, ensuring reliability and real-time performance.

• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing: Conduct comprehensive system testing, including Hardware-in-the-Loop simulations and flight testing, to validate control system performance.

• Troubleshooting and Optimization: Analyze flight data to troubleshoot system issues, optimize control parameters, and continuously improve overall performance.

• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, software, and systems engineers, to deliver high-quality and reliable drone solutions.

What You Bring:

• EITHER PhD & 2+ years of work experience: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related field AND 2+ years of hands-on experience in control system design, modeling, and simulation.

• OR Masters & 5-8+ years work experience: Masters in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related field AND 5-8+ years of hands-on experience in control system design, modeling, and simulation.

• Strong proficiency in programming languages like C++ and Python.

• Familiarity with embedded systems and real-time operating systems
  

Bonus Points For:

• Hands-on experience with UAVs, autopilots (e.g., PX4, ArduPilot, Betaflight), and sensor integration.

• Experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) for robotics or autonomous systems.

• Knowledge of computer vision principles and techniques.

• Familiarity with aviation regulations and safety protocols.
  
  

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary – Reflective of your skills and experience

• Equity Compensation – Be a part-owner in the company's future

• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Including medical, dental, and vision plans

• Health Savings Account (HSA) – Optional pre-tax savings for medical expenses

• Unlimited PTO – Flexible time off to recharge, plus paid company holidays

About Us
Seneca is eliminating the $1 trillion threat of wildfire across 500 million acres with AI-powered autonomous drone systems. Imagine a world where firefighters can respond to a blaze in under 6 minutes using autonomous suppression technology. That's the world Seneca is building. We’re combining the deep expertise of seasoned fire professionals with the innovation of billion-dollar technology builders to create advanced systems that save lives, property, and natural resources.

This is more than a job—it's a mission to transform safety across 500 million acres. Whatever your background, if you’re a builder, an innovator, or a problem-solver, you belong here.

Don’t meet every single requirement? If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply — you may still be the right fit for our team.