# Staff Propulsion Controls & Software Engineer

**Company:** [Odys Aviation](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/odys-aviation)
**Location:** Long Beach, CA
**Role:** Embedded Engineering
**Experience:** 8+ years
**Skills:** Matlab/Simulink, Simscape, Plecs, Embedded Coder, C/C++, Python, Typhoon Hil, Opal-Rt, Speedgoat, Can, Can-Fd, Ethernet, Do-178C, Foc, Svpwm
**Posted:** 2026-05-04

> Develops controls, embedded software, and simulation infrastructure for SiC-based propulsion power electronics in UAV and hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft. Designs and tunes algorithms for motor drives, rectifiers, converters, and hybrid controllers; builds high-fidelity models and manages MIL/SIL/HIL testing. Requires 8+ years experience, MS/PhD in EE/Power Electronics/Controls, and expertise in PMSM control and real-time embedded systems.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and optimize discrete-time control loops for PMSM drives, active rectifiers, and DC/DC converters, including FOC with MTPA/MTPV, flux-weakening, sensorless observers, SVPWM/DPWM, PLLs, and digital filters.
- Develop the Hybrid System Controller (HSC), which encompasses supervisory power-split and energy-management logic to coordinate the turbogenerator, battery, DC bus, and propulsion inverters. Responsibilities include managing mode transitions, startup and shutdown sequencing, and powertrain-level fault arbitration.
- Develop EMI-aware modulation and switching-frequency strategies for SiC stages operating at frequencies greater than 20–40 kHz; manage DC-link ripple, torque ripple, and acoustic constraints through software.
- Build and maintain high-fidelity propulsion models - including machines, SiC inverters/rectifiers, DC-link, batteries, propulsors, and sensors - using MATLAB/Simulink, Simscape, and PLECS. Identify parameters from bench and rig data and resolve discrepancies between models and experimental results.
- Establish and manage MIL/SIL/HIL environments using Typhoon HIL, OPAL-RT, and Speedgoat. Develop automated regression and fault-injection test suites, and release real-time model variants through Git-based continuous integration.
- Transition algorithms from model to target via Embedded Coder or hand-written C/C++ for DSP platforms (such as TI C2000, ARM Cortex-R/M, or equivalent). Deliver production firmware, including fixed-point implementation, fault detection, isolation and recovery (FDIR), diagnostics, and safe-state behavior.
- Translate system architecture into control specifications, simulation studies, and firmware requirements, and proactively communicate implementation risks to the systems architect.
- Define real-time communications and interface control documents (ICDs) for CAN/CAN-FD/Ethernet protocols. Support dyno and iron-bird system integration, correlate simulation with hardware performance, and iterate designs to meet specifications.
- Produce deliverables aligned with DO-178C, DO-254, and ARP4754B standards, including design specifications, modeling reports, calibration guides, and verification evidence. Establish review processes and standardize templates for the controls and simulation workflow.

## Requirements
- MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or Controls; candidates with a BS and significant relevant experience will also be considered.
- A minimum of 8 years of experience in developing controls and embedded software for high-power motor drives or power converters.
- In-depth expertise in PMSM control systems, including d-q theory, field-oriented control (FOC), space vector PWM (SVPWM)/discontinuous PWM (DPWM), observers, sensorless techniques, flux-weakening, and fault detection.
- Proficient knowledge of SiC MOSFET-based stages, encompassing switching behavior, gate-driver interactions, dead-time effects, and high-voltage protection—sufficient to design control and protection logic in adherence with device physics, even if not responsible for schematic drafting.
- Skilled in **MATLAB/Simulink**, **Simscape**, and **PLECS** for powertrain modeling, with familiarity in SPICE for device-level analysis.
- Proven experience with MIL/SIL/HIL methodologies, including establishing new hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments and developing automated test suites.
- Experience in production embedded implementation utilizing **Embedded Coder** or hand-coded **C/C++** on DSPs, fixed-point arithmetic, real-time scheduling, and on-target debugging.
- Demonstrated ability to lead controls and embedded subsystem development from concept.

## Preferred Qualifications
- Aerospace or eVTOL powertrain experience, with familiarity in FAA/EASA certification processes.
- Experience with **DO-178C** compliance in regulated environments, as well as working familiarity with DO-254, ARP4754B, FMEA/FTA, and requirements traceability.
- Hands-on experience with **Typhoon**, **OPAL-RT**, and **Speedgoat** platforms, utilizing advanced **Python/MATLAB** test automation and Git-based continuous integration for models and code.
- Practical experience in production sensorless control, wide-range flux-weakening, ride-through, and limp-mode strategies, either in flight or field applications.
- Expertise in generator-mode and active-rectifier control for high-speed machines, including multi-three-phase PWM synchronization and circulating-current mitigation.
- Integration of BMS and flight controls over **CAN**, **CAN-FD**, and **Ethernet**, with familiarity in TSN/PTP time-synchronization.

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