Senior Controls Engineer Robotics & Aerial Systems

Alert Venture Foundry (AVF) is building next-generation robotic systems thatoperatewith precision in the real world. Our platforms span aerial and ground-based systems, with a focus on enabling machines to interact physically with their environment—not just navigate through it. We’reseeking a Senior Controls Engineer to own the development of advanced control systems for robotic platforms requiring high-precision, force-aware interaction. This includes aerial systems that behave less like passive drones and more like robotic manipulators in free space—capable ofaccurate6DoF positioning, controlled contact, force application, and dynamic interaction with objects and environments. This is a deeply technical, high-ownership role. You will define control architecture, lead system modeling, and drive real-world performance across AVF’s ventures. The ideal candidate hasapproximately 5–8 years of hands-on experience in robotics controls and is ready to step into a lead technical role. This role is on-site in Billerica, MA four days per week. WhatYou’llDo: Architect and implement advanced control systems for robotic platforms requiring precise 6DoF motion and environmental interaction. Develop control strategies enabling contact-rich behaviors, pushing, sliding, force application, and constrained motion. Design and implement force and impedance control, hybrid position-force control, and compliant control strategies for dynamic systems. Develop and tune controllers for aerial platforms performing manipulation-like tasks, including stabilization under external forces and contact disturbances. Lead system modeling and identification efforts, including dynamics of coupled systems (vehicle + payload + environment). Build and integrate state estimation and sensor fusion pipelines using IMU, vision, and force/torque sensing to support high-precision control. Design and maintain Bayesian and optimization-based approaches (e.g., Kalman filtering, MCMC, factor graphs) for robust state estimation. Develop and maintain PID, minimum-snap trajectory, and offboard control algorithms on real flight hardware (e.g., PX4-based systems). Build post-flight analysis and health-monitoring tooling (e.g., vibrationPSD, loop-response identification) to support iterative tuning and fleet-wide diagnostics. Collaborate with autonomy and perception teams to integrate control with planning, localization, and environmental understanding. Validate systems in simulation and real-world environments, ensuring robustness under uncertainty and disturbance. Guide real-time control system decisions, including integration with embedded platforms and middleware (ROS2,MAVLink, PX4). Mentor junior engineers and establish best practices in control design, testing, and deployment. WhatWe’reLooking For: 5–8 years of experience in robotics control systems, with a demonstrated track record of deploying advanced controllers on real-world platforms. Deep expertise in control theory: nonlinear control, stability analysis, and control of underactuated or dynamic systems. Hands-on experience with state estimation and sensor fusion—Kalman filters, factor graph optimization, or similar. Strong C++ and/or Python programming skills with real-time control implementation experience. Practical experience tuning and validating controllers on physical hardware (aerial, ground, or manipulation platforms). Strong intuition for the gap between simulation and real-world performance. MS or PhD in Robotics, Controls, or a closely related field. Preferred: Experience with robotics middleware and control stacks: ROS/ROS2,MAVLink, PX4, or equivalent. Experience with aerial robotics, including large-airframe or heavy-lift UAV systems. Familiarity with PX4 or similar open-source flight control stacks, including fork maintenance and custom mode development. Experience with force/torque sensing, impedance/admittance control, or aerial manipulation. Exposure to Bayesian hyperparameter optimization, MCMC data association, or probabilistic robotics methods. Experience building post-flight diagnostics, vibration analysis, or health-monitoring tooling. Model predictive control (MPC) or optimization-based control framework experience. Embedded systems background: PCB design, firmware (C), real-time OS, or hardware bring-up. GPS-denied navigation or visual-inertial odometry experience. Advisory & Consulting Engagement: In addition to this full-time role, AVF selectively engages senior technical advisors and consultants for specialized projects. We are particularly interested in connecting with deeply experienced controls and robotics engineers who may prefer a flexible, project-based relationship. Areas of interest for consulting and advisory engagements include: Control system architecture review and technical mentorship. Embedded motion control systems for mobile robotics and warehouse automation. Robot modeling, simulation, and system dynamics analysis. Program management for complex multi-team robotics integration efforts. Team building, recruiting strategy, and engineering culture development. If you have 20+ years of experience in controls, robotics, or autonomous systems and are interested in a consulting or advisory relationship with AVF, please note that on your application. Why AVF? Work on next-generation robotic systems that go beyond navigation into real-world interaction and manipulation. Define control architecture for platforms that blur the line between aerial systems and robotic manipulators. Collaborate with a highly technical team spanning autonomy, embedded systems, and mechanical design. Operate in a high-ownership environment where your work directly shapes the capabilities of new ventures. AVF is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are excited to push the boundaries of robotics, control systems, and physical intelligence. #J-18808-Ljbffr