Motion Control Engineer

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.

• 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.

• 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.