Full-Stack Motor Control Engineer

Figure is an AI Robotics company developing a general purpose humanoid.

Our humanoid robot, Figure 02, is designed for commercial tasks and the home.

We are based in San Jose, CA and require 5 days/week in-office collaboration.

It's time to build.

We are seeking a Full-Stack Motor Control Engineer who combines strong control-theory expertise with deep embedded-firmware capability and a practical understanding of inverter hardware and sensors.

You will contribute to the complete motor control stack - from modeling and algorithm design through embedded implementation and lab validation.

This role requires a balance of analytical depth, hands-on debugging, and system-level awareness, working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, high-performance actuation solutions for our humanoid.

Responsibilities: * Architect, implement, and tune current control loops for PMSM and BLDC actuators.

* Develop, optimize and debug real-time embedded firmware in C/C++ for MCUs/DSPs (e.g., STM32). * Design and validate observers and estimators for primary controls and for enhanced diagnostics and fallback strategies.

* Design and validate state machines for control modes and fault handling.

* Model control systems and simulate dynamics using MATLAB/Simulink or Python.

* Bring up and debug custom inverter hardware, current sensors, and encoders.

* Develop automated test routines for dynamic response, torque linearity, and efficiency mapping for motor-dynamometers and actuator-dynamometers.

* Integrate high-speed telemetry and data-logging for system identification and control verification.

* Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate actuators into robotic subsystems and end-effectors.

* Support continuous improvement of control robustness and performance.

Requirements: * 6+ years of hands-on experience developing embedded systems for high-performance motion control.

* Proficiency in embedded C/C++ for real-time control on MCUs/DSPs.

* Strong foundation in motor control theory (FOC, dq transformations, loop design, field-weakening). * Solid understanding of ADC/PWM synchronization, ISR timing and task-scheduling.

* Experience with motor drivers, inverters, current sensing, and encoder interfaces * Familiarity with digital signal processing and frequency-domain analysis for control diagnostics.

* Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink or Python for modeling and data analysis.

* Skilled with lab equipment for validation and software debugging.

* Excellent communication and planning skills.

* Resilient and effective in fast-paced, challenging environments.

* MS or PhD in electrical engineering, controls, or a related field.

Bonus Qualifications: * Exposure to functional-safety or high-reliability firmware design.

* Prior work on robotic actuation systems, industrial drives, or precision motion platforms.

* Working knowledge of communication buses and protocols like Ethernet, Ethercat, Serial, SPI and I2C.

* Expertise in torque, position and velocity closed loop control.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $150,000 - $240,000 annually.

The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role.

This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.