Embedded Systems Engineer - Mechatronics & Robotics
Preferred Location: Ottawa
Reports to: COO
Type: Full-Time
About Dominion Dynamics
Dominion Dynamics is building Canada’s first modern defence prime: software-defined, attritable, and sovereign.
We believe tomorrow’s military power won’t hinge on exquisite platforms, but on the seamless coordination of adaptable, AI-driven capabilities across every domain. We’re building that family of systems, fielded with operators, sovereign by design, and accountable to Canada’s democratic values.
We move fast, deploy with the CAF, especially in the Arctic, and operate with uncompromising respect for Canadian law, treaty obligations, and the CAF community.
Our founding team includes former operators from Anduril, Google, Amazon, and the Canadian Armed Forces. We’re building hard tech in hard places, and we're looking for system-level thinkers who thrive at the intersection of autonomy, aerospace, and national security.
Why This Role Matters
Reliable autonomy begins with robust embedded controls that sense, decide, and act under real-world constraints; our platforms operate in remote, resource-limited environments where graceful degradation and predictable behaviour are essential. This role ensures robotic systems translate control theory into field-ready performance by validating hardware/software integration, tuning controllers, and delivering dependable behaviour in mission conditions.
The Role: Embedded Systems Engineer - (Mechatronics / Robotics)
You will design, integrate, and validate the embedded control layer that connects sensing, perception, and actuation; working cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and software teams, you will implement firmware, tune control loops, and verify system behaviour in simulation and on hardware to deliver reliable robotic performance in the field.
What You’ll Do
Design and implement embedded control systems for robotic and mechatronic platforms using C++, Python, and ROS/ROS2.
Integrate microcontrollers (STM32, ESP32) and real-time operating systems (FreeRTOS, embedded Linux) with sensors, actuators, and communications interfaces (CAN, UART, SPI).
Develop and tune motion-control algorithms (PID, Kalman filtering, sensor fusion) to achieve precise, stable performance.
Use MATLAB for modeling, simulation, and system identification; apply results to embedded implementation.
Collaborate with mechanical and electrical teams using SolidWorks or CATIA for design integration and system packaging.
Perform FEA and multi-physics simulation in ANSYS, NX, or Abaqus to validate mechanical and thermal performance.
Develop and maintain robotic simulation environments in Gazebo; integrate with OpenCV, vision, and SLAM libraries for perception testing.
Conduct system bring-up, calibration, and verification in lab and field environments.
Support documentation, test plans, and continuous improvement of embedded and control architectures.
What You’ll Bring
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical, or Robotics Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
2-4 years of experience in embedded systems, robotics, or mechatronic design.
Strong programming skills in C++ and Python; experience with ROS/ROS2, embedded Linux, and FreeRTOS.
Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools (MATLAB, Simulink) and FEA software (NX, ANSYS, or Abaqus).
Hands-on experience with sensors, actuators, and embedded communication interfaces (CAN, UART, SPI).
Familiarity with mechanical design fundamentals, SolidWorks or CATIA, and GD&T standards.
Experience with perception and localization libraries (OpenCV, SLAM, vision-based navigation) is an asset.
Comfortable debugging across hardware, firmware, and software layers; low-ego, high-collaboration mindset.
Eligibility for Canadian security clearance preferred; Canadian citizenship an asset.
Why Join Us
At Dominion Dynamics, we’re designing systems that work where others fail, in the most extreme environments on Earth.
At Dominion Dynamics you’ll:
Shape the future of Canada’s sovereign defence.
Build real capability in fields with CAF and allies.
Move fast, field fast with small teams, high trust, and rapid iteration.
Operate with integrity under Canadian law and treaty obligations.
Have impact from day one with equity, responsibility, and direct access to leadership.
If you’re driven by innovation, adaptability, and the opportunity to make a strategic impact, this is where you belong!
Compensation
We offer competitive salary and meaningful equity participation.
