Staff Powertrain Controls Engineer

At Wisk, we're transforming the future of urban mobility through safe, all-electric, autonomous flight. We are a passionate team working together toward a sustainable future, solving high-impact problems that have never been solved before. By delivering everyday flight for everyone, we're making it possible to spend less time getting there and more time being there. If you want to be part of shaping the future of mobility, then read on

We are looking for a hands on, multi-faceted Staff Controls Engineer to join our team. You will be part of the Powertrain and Propulsion R&D team that evaluates and tests novel powertrain technologies for Wisk aircrafts

Due to the nature of the work required for this position, this is an onsite opportunity. You will be required to work from our Mountain View office.

In this role you will work in a small team prototyping, ground testing, and flying novel powertrain for Wisk's autonomous aircraft. As a Controls Engineer you will be responsible for the software integration of complex subsystems to ensure the aircraft powertrain can meet performance expectations and fly safely

What you will do:

• Lead the architecture and control algorithm of prototype powertrain systems
• Evaluate and select toolchains and hardware for control electronics
• Conduct functional safety analysis and perform systems engineering tasks to co-develop actuation hardware with other engineers
• Be responsible for the design and execution of hardware-in-loop (HIL) testing
• Work independently to meet team goals and follow an aggressive development schedule
• You will support SIL/HIL and flight test operations activities in debugging anomalies and issues.
• Develop a novel Energy Management Strategy (EMS).
• State-of-Charge (SOC) Management: Develop algorithms to monitor and actively control the battery's State-of-Charge (SOC) and State-of-Health (SOH), ensuring sufficient power is always available for critical phases of flight (like go-around).
• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing: Architect and execute HIL test campaigns, where the actual flight controller hardware runs the code and is interfaced with simulated plant models, verifying control robustness and identifying failure modes before real-world testing.
• You will run closed-loop simulations within the flight physics simulation engine, and improve software design models after analyzing the logged results.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field
• 6+ years of experience working in control systems in aerospace, automotive, or other mobility industries
• Deep understanding of control system theory with implementation experience in the real-world
• Expert knowledge of Matlab, Simulink, and/or Python programming languages
• HIL test experience.
• Previous success contributing to or leading system level and safety-critical architectural trade studies and design choices

Nice to haves:

• Battery charging and energy control experience
• Thermal systems control and/or battery thermal management familiarity
• Knowledge of high voltage vehicle systems

Compensation and Benefits:

In addition to offering a great work environment and the opportunity to be part of the team making electric autonomous flight a reality, at Wisk, we offer excellent total rewards which include a competitive base salary, annual bonus, long term incentive, 401K, health benefits and much more.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay range the company expects to pay: $177,000 - $208,000 per year - The starting base salary within this range for this role varies based on factors such as your geographical location, and your relevant job-related experience that is consistent with a business necessity.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including those from marginalized or underrepresented groups in the tech industry and aerospace, to apply for our job openings. We consider every candidate who shares our passion for making the impossible possible, even if they may not strictly meet all preferred requirements. We firmly believe that a diverse range of perspectives can profoundly influence both our product and our company culture.

Wisk HQ is located in Mountain View just a couple of hundred feet from Shoreline Lake and its surrounding walking/jogging trails. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 9 off Fridays for full-time employees throughout the year, flexible vacation time off, 11 company holidays, a 401(k) plan with 50% company matching vested immediately, commuter assistance, and education assistance. And on top of all that, we also offer a variety of perks such as free catered lunches, flight lessons, wellness allowances, snacks, drinks, employee referral bonus, charitable giving match, patent bonus program, and more.

To all recruitment agencies: Wisk Aero does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Wisk Aero employees, or any other organization location. Wisk Aero is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check. Wisk Aero provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Wisk Aero abides by applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Wisk Aero is an E-Verify employer.