The Motion Control Engineer will develop and test motor control algorithms and firmware, ensuring compatibility with hardware while troubleshooting issues. Responsibilities include collaborating with teams, implementing control systems, and refining motor performance in robotic applications.
Pickle is on the hunt for a dynamic and driven Motion Control Engineer for our Firmware team to help us revolutionize the future of warehouse automation. This role focuses on designing, developing, and testing algorithms and firmware for electric motor control systems to optimize performance, efficiency, and reliability for our mobility platform and industrial multisegmented arm. Responsibilities include developing control algorithms, implementing software on microcontrollers and off-the-shelf controllers, performing lab and field testing, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to push the boundaries of robotic motion control.
Your contributions will directly impact the performance and capabilities of Pickle's revolutionary material-handling robots. A strong understanding of both complex low-level firmware design principles and motor control theory will be critical to success in this role.
What You'll Accomplish:
- Design and implement motor control algorithms (e.g., using velocity and torque curves) and firmware for off-the-shelf controllers using C/C++/Python code.
- Characterize various motor controllers and drive systems to maximize the performance of the interface in the vendor's particular programming language, whether that is C, C++, Python, etc.
- Collaborate with hardware & software teams to define interfaces and ensure seamless integration of motor control components.
- Design and implement robust peripheral APIs into Pickle's platform in Python.
- Develop comprehensive test harnesses and debugging tools to verify the reliability and safety of motor control firmware.
- Analyze and resolve issues within motor control systems to improve performance and reliability through systematic troubleshooting.
- Work closely with vendor support engineers to push motor controllers to the very edge of their capabilities.
Who You Are:
- 5+ years of professional experience in firmware development with demonstrated excellence in processing the physical inputs and outputs of motor control systems, writing and maintaining C/C++/Python code for embedded systems.
- Strong proficiency in C/C++ and Python is crucial for embedded firmware development and motor control implementation.
- Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS), ROS & ROS2, and embedded development tools.A high level of proficiency in developing with Python is strongly desired. This includes demonstrable expertise using various Python tools and object-oriented programming.
- Understanding of motor control theory, including velocity profiles, torque control, and motion planning.
- Strong action-biased analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and resolve complex motor control issues.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and work closely with vendor support engineers.
- Detail-oriented, problem-solver, and a passion for robotics and innovation.
- You'll need to be on-site enough to make efficient use of the hardware.
- Willing to work at least 4 days per week at our offices in Charlestown, Massachusetts.
- Working with the robots in a warehouse setting is expected.
- A Bachelor or Master degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
Pickle Robot is a pioneer in Physical AI for supply chain applications. Today Pickle robots autonomously unload trucks, trailers, and import containers at human-scale or better performance. The alternative is manual work that is difficult, dirty, sometimes dangerous, and increasingly hard to staff at distribution centers around the globe. Pickle Robot is laser focused on automating truck unloading using generative AI, machine learning, computer vision, advanced sensors, and industrial robotics to deliver engineered products customers rely on. Pickle Robot Unload Systems work alongside people on loading docks to make the work safer, faster, and more efficient. Pickle robots are physical AI that unload trucks.
Pickle provides best-in-class benefits including health, dental, & vision insurance; unlimited vacation, along with all federal and state holidays; 401K contributions of 5% your salary, travel supplies, and other items to make your working life more fun, comfortable, and productive.
Top Skills
C
C++
Python
Ros
Ros2
Rtos
Pickle Robot Company Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA Office
Cambridge, MA, United States, 02139
Similar Jobs
Fintech • Financial Services
Manage a small portfolio of real estate investments, analyze financial statements, monitor operations, and assist senior managers with decision-making and compliance.
Top Skills:
Excel
Fintech • Financial Services
Manage risk positions in high grade credit, develop trade ideas, create relationships with clients, and work in a fast-paced trading environment.
Top Skills:
Credit DerivativesEtfsQuantitative AnalysisRisk Management
Automotive • eCommerce • Hardware • Music • Retail • Software • Wearables
The Senior Data Scientist will engage with business partners to solve problems using data science, lead model development, and mentor others, focusing on supply chain and causal modeling.
Top Skills:
PythonSparkSQL
What you need to know about the Boston Tech Scene
Boston is a powerhouse for technology innovation thanks to world-class research universities like MIT and Harvard and a robust pipeline of venture capital investment. Host to the first telephone call and one of the first general-purpose computers ever put into use, Boston is now a hub for biotechnology, robotics and artificial intelligence — though it’s also home to several B2B software giants. So it’s no surprise that the city consistently ranks among the greatest startup ecosystems in the world.
Key Facts About Boston Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 269,000; 9.4% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Toast, Klaviyo, HubSpot, DraftKings
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, software, aerospace
- Funding Landscape: $15.7 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Summit Partners, Volition Capital, Bain Capital Ventures, MassVentures, Highland Capital Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: MIT, Harvard University, Boston College, Tufts University, Boston University, Northeastern University, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, National Bureau of Economic Research, Broad Institute, Lowell Center for Space Science & Technology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories