Embedded Firmware & Flight Control Engineer

Summary

Job Summary

The Bio-Inspired Perception and Robotics Laboratory (BPRL) is seeking an Embedded Firmware and Flight Control Engineer. The successful candidate will design and implement novel bio-inspired flight control architectures (inner and outer loop) on aerial platforms and execute flight demonstrations for stakeholders. The engineer will help bridge the gap between theoretical controller design, development, and implementation of aerial platform on-board hardware and software. They will also help to implement and troubleshoot custom control architectures, and act as the point person for demonstrations showcasing advanced UAS capabilities, including computer vision, sensor fusion, navigation, ensuring every demonstration is safe, reliable, and representative of the technologies being showcased.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Bio-Inspired Perception and Robotics Laboratory (BPRL) is a facility in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Robotics Graduate Program at the University of Colorado, Boulder that conducts research and development in the areas of field robotics and biologically inspired robotics. We seek to distill the fundamental sensing, processing and feedback principles that govern robust behavior in organisms to enable new classes of robotic systems with improved agility, locomotion and autonomy.

Responsibilities

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The successful candidate will design, write, and test low-level C++ code on microcontrollers/microprocessors, write custom control architecture code and tune control loops for desired flight performance, troubleshoot circuit boards and communication protocols (CAN, I2C, UART, etc.), and configure real-time operating systems (RTOS). The candidate will also be responsible for setting up, launching, and executing flight demonstrations for stakeholders.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary range for this appointment will be $70,000 - $80,000.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be strategic. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

PhD in engineering, robotics, or computer science.

What You Will Need

• Experience with embedded C++ (&RTOS), python, Ardupilot, PX4, ROS2.
• Hands-on experience with low-level interfaces including CAN, SPI, I2C, and UART.
• Solid grasp of control theory, PID/modern feedback loops, and state estimation filters (Kalman filters, Extended State/Error-State Kalman Filters).
• Hands-on experience implementing and deploying embedded custom controllers onboard flight platforms (e.g. quadrotors).
• Experience piloting drones and working with motion capture systems and data.
• Understanding of internet protocols, with networking experience working with multi-device systems.

Special Instructions

To Apply, Please Submit The Following Materials

• Resume/CV.
• Cover Letter.
• (Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version (if applicable) as an Optional document.

During the application process, you will be asked to provide the name and email address for one reference, from whom we will request a letter of recommendation immediately following the submission of your completed application.

Please apply by October 15, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs .

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.