Principal Robotic Control Systems Engineer

Astrolab

Principal Robotic Control Systems Engineer at Astrolab, developing control systems for extraterrestrial rovers. Leading vehicle mobility, robotic arm control, and communication antenna systems.

Posted 7/15/2026full-timeHawthorne • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $180,000 - $235,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and validating robotic control systems, including proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, and control system design methodologies. Capable of leading cross-functional teams and mentoring engineers throughout the product development lifecycle.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Robotic Control Systems DevelopmentMATLAB ProficiencyControl System DesignTest Plan ExecutionCross-Functional Collaboration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Control System AnalysisController TuningSimulation DevelopmentRobotic Arm Control SystemsMotor Controller Control Loops

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsMentoring Engineers

Tools & Technologies

MATLAB Control System ToolboxSimulinkControl System Design Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in STEMMaster's Degree or Ph.D. in Related Field

Industry Keywords

Aerospace EngineeringRoboticsModel-Based Systems EngineeringHighly Regulated IndustryExtraterrestrial Rovers

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define control system requirements from vehicle and subsystem level functional and performance requirements
Lead design, analysis, development, tuning, verification, and validation of vehicle control systems
Build system simulations for controller design and analysis in appropriate tools (e.g. Matlab, Simulink, Python) and mature simulations as additional test data becomes available
Design and prototype appropriate controllers that meet the defined requirements using simulations and control system design tools (e.g. Matlab control system toolbox)
Support sizing and selection of integrated robotic control system components (sensors and actuators) such as motion sensors, cameras, motor encoders, motors, and similar
Support (and potentially lead) development of integrated hardware/software control system testbeds and testing of prototype controllers using these testbeds
Analyze and tune controller performance, stability, and robustness using the system simulations, testbeds, and test data
Develop control system documentation and work with vehicle software team to convert controller prototypes into flight code, including supporting unit and integrated testing of flight implementations
Work with vehicle software team, avionics team, integration and test team to verify flight control system implementation and performance
Support integrated vehicle guidance, navigation, and control system simulation and performance analysis
Support calibration of integrated hardware/robotic control systems (e.g. robotic arm calibration)

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in a STEM-related field
15+ years of experience developing robotic control systems from concept through testing and operational deployment
10+ years of experience designing, developing, testing, analyzing, and tuning robotic control systems
Experience developing motor controller control loops and robotic arm control systems
Experience building, testing, and validating control system simulation and analysis tools
Experience developing and executing control system test plans
Proficiency with MATLAB, Simulink, and the MATLAB Control System Toolbox or equivalent control system design software
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Master's degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field (Preferred)
Experience developing robotic control systems for extraterrestrial rovers or other spaceflight applications (Preferred)
Experience designing, building, and using testbeds with flight-like hardware (Preferred)
Experience supporting control system development through flight operations (Preferred)
Experience collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams throughout the product development lifecycle (Preferred)
Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to engineers (Preferred)
Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) or model-based design methodologies (Preferred)
Experience in the aerospace, defense, or another highly regulated industry (Preferred)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
Equity ownership in the company
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
401(k) plan with company match
Flexible PTO and parental leave
Home office set up reimbursement
Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks