DoorDash Labs is seeking a Planning & Controls Engineer to join their Autonomy Software team, focusing on developing flight control and motion planning algorithms for drone delivery. This hands-on role involves designing controllers, implementing them in C++ on embedded platforms, and testing them in flight. The ideal candidate will play a key role in enhancing the robustness and fault tolerance of drone operations. If you are passionate about robotics and automation, this opportunity is for you.

• MS/PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related technical field.
• Deep understanding of controls fundamentals including linear and nonlinear systems, stability analysis, and optimization.
• Excellent knowledge of C++ and embedded systems.
• Experience in dynamics modeling and simulation with aerodynamics knowledge.
• Familiarity with motion planning algorithms such as trajectory optimization and nonlinear optimization.

• Develop and tune low-level flight control algorithms for multirotor and hybrid aircraft.
• Own the dynamics simulation and aerodynamics modeling of the aircraft.
• Bring up and tune flight controllers on new drone platforms.
• Develop and test fault-tolerant control strategies for safe landing and emergency behaviors.
• Build a trajectory motion planner for smooth flight and obstacle avoidance.