Spring 2027: Control Systems & Algorithms Co-op (January to June)

The role

You will design and test real-time control algorithms for smart household appliances. You will build prototypes and test rigs, and work with pumps, heaters, sensors and motors.

What you will do

• Design and implement real-time control algorithms for appliance subsystems (thermal, fluidic, electromechanical)
• Work directly with pumps, heaters, boilers, AC/DC and stepper motors and their drivers
• Interface with low-cost sensors and implement signal processing, filtering and estimation (e.g., Kalman filters)
• Apply classical control methods (frequency response, PID design and tuning)
• Rapidly build and iterate prototypes and test rigs to validate algorithms
• Collect and analyze experimental data to identify system dynamics and optimize performance
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring control algorithms from concept to embedded deployment

Required qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's program (third year or beyond), master's, or doctorate program
• Able to work full-time, 40 hours per week, 5 days per week onsite in Needham, MA
• Strong understanding of control system theory (frequency response, stability margins, PID design and tuning), including classical and advanced control
• Proficiency in embedded C/C++ and experience with microcontrollers (e.g., STM32, ESP32, Arduino, or similar)
• Familiarity with real-time signal processing and sensor fusion
• Comfort working hands-on with sensors, actuators, and thermal and electromechanical components
• Strong problem-solving ability and willingness to prototype quickly and iterate
• Able to communicate abstract concepts clearly
• Able to quickly generate visual and physical definitions of new products that convey key attributes of function
• Naturally curious and driven to find better solutions to everyday problems

Nice to have

• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink for system modeling, state-space control, and model-based design (including Simulink Coder)
• Background in system identification, including real-time or machine-learning-based modeling
• Knowledge of nonlinear optimization algorithms suitable for low-compute, embedded environments
• Familiarity with TinyML, CMSIS libraries, or other embedded ML frameworks
• Experience with embedded system architecture and designing control software frameworks

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Health savings account (HSA) with company contribution
• Sick time
• Company holidays
• Employee product discount
• Product testing opportunities
• Referral bonuses
• Professional development opportunities and community events
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Employee stock purchase options
• Wellness programs

Before you apply

• Must be currently enrolled in a bachelor's (third year or beyond), master's, or doctorate program
• No relocation or housing assistance is offered

About the company

SharkNinja is a global product design and technology company with the Shark and Ninja brands, headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts, with more than 4,100 associates. Its products are sold at retailers, online and through distributors worldwide.