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Aerospace, Defense, Space Technology, SaaS

Mechanisms Engineer (III or Senior), Motor Control

Denver, Co Or Long Beach, CanadaFull TimeCA$115,000–CA$170,000 /yrPosted 2 months ago

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Role summary

True Anomaly is seeking an experienced Motor Control Engineer to join their Mechanisms team. This role involves designing and developing both the drive electronics hardware and embedded firmware for precision motor-driven actuation systems for orbital platforms. Responsibilities include designing motor drive circuits, implementing closed-loop control algorithms, performing system characterization, and collaborating with the GNC team. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, 5+ years of experience in motor control system design with expertise in both hardware and firmware, and proficiency in embedded C/C++ for real-time applications. Experience with space-qualified components and various communication interfaces is also required.

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

OUR MISSION

True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.

OUR VALUES

  • Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
  • What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
  • It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

    • YOUR MISSION

    True Anomaly is seeking a talented and experienced Motor Control Engineer at the Mid-career or Senior level to join our Mechanisms team, reporting to the Mechanisms Engineering Manager. In this role, you will own both the drive electronics hardware and the embedded firmware for precision motor-driven actuation systems on our orbital platforms. You will design and develop custom motor drive circuits, closed-loop servo control algorithms, and the embedded software that ties them together — delivering vertically integrated solutions built for the demanding thermal, radiation, and reliability requirements of spaceflight. You bring equal depth in hardware and firmware, thrive in a hands-on environment, and take pride in seeing your work perform on-orbit.

    RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Design and develop motor drive electronics for brushless DC and stepper motor systems, including gate driver circuits, current sensing, power stage design, and EMI mitigation
  • Develop and implement embedded firmware for closed-loop motor control, including FOC/BLDC commutation algorithms, PID and advanced control loops, and fault detection and handling
  • Perform motor and drive system characterization, including torque-speed profiling, efficiency mapping, and thermal analysis
  • Collaborate closely with the GNC team to develop and validate closed-loop pointing, stabilization, and tracking control for precision actuation applications
  • Define and execute motor drive hardware bring-up, integration, and qualification test campaigns
  • Support system-level integration of motor control electronics and firmware with spacecraft avionics and flight software
  • Develop and maintain design documentation including schematics, firmware architecture, test plans, and analysis reports
  • Contribute to component selection, trade studies, and design reviews across the mechanisms product portfolio
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of mechanisms engineering processes and practices

    • QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred)
  • 5+ years of professional experience in motor control system design, with demonstrated depth in both drive electronics hardware and embedded firmware
  • Experience with brushless DC and/or stepper motor drive circuit design, including power stage, gate driver, and current sensing topologies
  • Experience implementing closed-loop motor control algorithms including FOC, BLDC commutation, and PID-based servo control in embedded firmware
  • Proficiency in embedded C or C++ for real-time motor control applications
  • Familiarity with common embedded communication interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN) and their application in motor drive systems
  • Experience with hardware bring-up, debug, and characterization using lab test equipment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

    • PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Experience with space-qualified or high-reliability motor drive electronics for vacuum and radiation environments
  • Familiarity with precision pointing or tracking system requirements and GNC interface design
  • Experience with motor control using DSPs, FPGAs, or microcontrollers (STM32, TI C2000, or similar)
  • Knowledge of magnetic bearing or brushless motor design and winding analysis
  • Experience with thermal analysis and thermal management of power electronics in SWaP-constrained designs
  • Familiarity with applicable aerospace standards (MIL-STD-704, MIL-STD-461, EEE-INST-002)
  • Experience working in a fast-paced, startup environment or a similarly dynamic setting

    • COMPENSATION

  • Base Salaries:
  • Mechanisms Engineer III: $115,000-$170,000
  • Senior Mechanisms Engineer: $150,000-$220,000
  • Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

    • Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.

    ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance
  • Work Location—this role will be onsite at either our Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA locations, with travel to other sites as needed.
  • Work environment—the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
  • Physical demands—the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

    • This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite

    To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

    True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.

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