Senior Controls Systems Engineer – Ninja

SharkNinja is seeking a Senior Control Systems Engineer to join our innovative Ninja team. We are looking for a technically strong, hands-on engineer with a deep understanding of control systems, a passion for product innovation, and a proven track record in leading complex, cross-functional projects from concept through mass production. As a senior member of the Ninja Control Systems team, you focus on developing real-time optimization and control algorithms for low-compute hardware that drive the next generation of smart household appliances. You will play a pivotal role in developing smart systems that are the “brain” in our most complex and powerful new products. They work closely alongside the Ninja R&D team, and together, they are responsible for the performance of our products and “how they work” – how a coffee maker makes coffee, how an air fryer cooks, how a blender blends, or how a new yet-to-be-invented kitchen device does new kitchen device things. The Senior Control Systems Engineer is involved in the full product lifecycle from early-stage concept development and prototyping all the way to mass production, continuously iterating and making improvements throughout the process. The senior control system engineer provides technical leadership, mentors junior engineers, and owns the control strategy and system design across multiple product lines. You will collaborate with R&D, Product Development, and Advanced Engineering to ensure seamless integration of electronics, software, and mechanical systems.

Essential Functions:
• Leadership and Strategy: Lead the development of advanced control systems across diverse product platforms while mentoring multidisciplinary teams on best practices in architecture, modeling, and implementation.
• Design and Development: Design, develop, and test control systems tailored for consumer appliances. This includes integrating mechatronics principles to ensure the seamless operation of software and mechanical systems with electronic control.
• Advanced Control Techniques: Employ advanced control strategies, including PID, Model Predictive Control (MPC), adaptive control, and robust control, to address complex control challenges in real-time applications in low-compute devices.
• Signal Processing: Apply signal processing algorithms for noise reduction, feature extraction, and system optimization. This includes expertise in filter design, Fourier transforms, and spectral analysis to enhance the accuracy and reliability of control systems.
• Machine Learning Integration: Incorporate machine learning methods to improve system adaptability and performance. Familiarity with neural networks, reinforcement learning, and supervised/unsupervised learning techniques for predictive maintenance and system optimization is essential.
• Programming and Simulation: Utilizing programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, C++, and others relevant to control systems engineering. Using simulation and modeling of mechatronic systems to validate control strategies and design choices.
• Collaboration and Documentation: Work closely with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive control solutions. Develop and maintain thorough documentation, including

Attributes:
• Strong theoretical understanding of control systems’ fundamentals and the ability to apply this to deliver robust, elegant, and innovative solutions to real-world controls challenges
• Solid analytical skills, attention to detail, and relentless drive to identify potential problems and take responsibility for their resolution
• Intellectual curiosity and creativity, strong logical thinking skills, and a positive can-do attitude
• Willingness to roll up sleeves and get your hands dirty testing and troubleshooting issues
• Ability to clearly, effectively, and concisely communicate with both technical and non-technical colleagues both verbally and in writing
• Comfortable multitasking and responding quickly to shifting priorities without losing sight of longer-term projects and goals

Qualifications:
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of industry experience in control systems engineering, including end-to-end product development, from concept through production.
• Deep understanding of classical and advanced control theory, including PID, MPC, adaptive, and robust control methods, with a strong track record of real-world implementation.
• Mid-level proficiency in Python, C/C++, and MATLAB/Simulink for algorithm development, simulation, and embedded control deployment.
• Extensive experience developing and debugging embedded systems, including firmware architecture, and real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Proficient with analog and digital electronics, sensors, actuators, motor drivers, power electronics, and test equipment commonly used in electromechanical systems and small appliances.
• Demonstrated competency in electromechanical prototyping using platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or custom embedded solutions.
• Experienced in using industry-standard development tools, source control (e.g., Git), and documentation platforms.
• Skilled in preparing and delivering technical documentation, design reviews, and project plans for cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• This is a hands-on, in-person role based at our Needham, MA office due to close work with prototypes and lab-based development.