Summer 2026: Control Systems & Algorithm… at SharkNinja · Needham

Summary: SharkNinja is a global product design and technology company, and they are seeking a highly motivated Control Systems & Algorithms Summer Intern to join their team. The role involves developing real-time optimization and control algorithms for smart household appliances, providing hands-on experience in control systems engineering and mechatronics. Responsibilities: - Design and implement real-time control algorithms for appliance subsystems (thermal, fluidic, and electromechanical) - Work directly with pumps, heaters, boilers, AC/DC, and stepper motors, and their drivers - Interface with low-cost sensors (temperature, flow, pressure, torque, etc.) and implement signal processing, filtering, and estimation techniques (e.g., Kalman filters, etc.) - Apply classical control methods (frequency response analysis, PID design, and tuning) to achieve stability and robustness in systems with significant delays and nonlinearities - Rapidly build and iterate prototypes and test rigs to validate algorithms in real hardware environments - Collect and analyze experimental data to identify system dynamics and optimize performance - Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop system design, software architecture, and bring control algorithms from concept to embedded deployment Required Qualifications: - Current student in their third year or beyond of a bachelor's program, or currently enrolled in a master's or doctorate program - Must be able to work a full-time, 40-hour-per-week schedule with 5 days per week onsite in Needham, MA - Strong understanding of control system theory (frequency response, stability margins, PID design and tuning) and design, including classical control and advanced control - Proficiency in embedded C/C++ programming and experience with microcontrollers (e.g., STM32, ESP32, Arduino, or similar) - Familiarity with real-time signal processing and sensor fusion techniques - Comfort working hands-on with hardware systems (sensors, actuators, thermal and electromechanical components) - Strong problem-solving ability and willingness to prototype quickly and iterate - A natural and effective communicator capable of reducing abstract concepts to reality - Able to quickly generate visual and physical definitions of new products that convey key attributes of function - Be naturally curious and relentlessly driven to find better solutions to everyday problems Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with MATLAB/Simulink for system modeling, state-space control, and model-based design (including Simulink Coder/code generation) - 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 Required Skills: Control system theory, Embedded C/C++ programming, Real-time signal processing Important Skills: MATLAB/Simulink, System identification, Nonlinear optimization Nice-to-Have Skills: Curiosity, Problem-solving, Effective communication Internship Start Date: Start in 2026 Summer Benefits: Medical insurance, Health savings account (HSA) with company contribution, Sick time, Company holidays, Employee product discount, Product testing opportunities, Referral bonuses, Competitive health insurance, Retirement plans, Paid time off, Employee stock purchase options, Wellness programs, SharkNinja product discounts