Control Systems & Algorithms Co-op

Job Description

Here is the detailed enriched job description:

About the Job

About Us

SharkNinja is a global product design and technology company, known for its diversified portfolio of 5-star rated lifestyle solutions that positively impact homes worldwide. Driven by two trusted, global brands, Shark and Ninja, the company boasts a proven track record of delivering disruptive innovation, entering multiple product categories, and achieving significant growth and market share gains. Headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts, with over 3,600 associates, SharkNinja’s products are sold globally through key retailers, online, and distributors.

Work Period: July 2026 to December 2026

Location & Schedule: This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position requiring 5 days per week onsite in Needham, MA. There is no relocation or housing assistance for this position.

Join the SharkNinja Early Edge Experience

Built for early career talent and geared toward impact, the Early Edge Experience is driven by speed. This early talent program, whether a co-op or internship, is designed to provide valuable exposure to the industry and a fast-paced professional environment. Participants will dive into meaningful projects and tasks, sharpening skills and deepening knowledge. The program offers professional development opportunities, community events, and connections, culminating in an opportunity to showcase contributions and learnings to SharkNinja leaders. This program is for those ready to shape what’s next—fast.

This Role: Control Systems & Algorithms Co-op

We are seeking a highly motivated Control Systems & Algorithms Co-op to join our team. This role focuses on developing real-time optimization and control algorithms for low-compute hardware that will power the next generation of smart household appliances. This co-op opportunity provides a hands-on experience to design, prototype, and validate control solutions, making appliances smarter, more efficient, and more reliable. You will gain valuable experience in control systems engineering and mechatronics, with a strong focus on programming skills, optimization, and algorithms development. If you are passionate and eager to work on challenging projects, we encourage you to apply.

Here are some of the EXCITING things you’ll get to do:

• Design and implement real-time control algorithms for appliance subsystems (thermal, fluidic, and electromechanical).
• Work directly with hardware such as 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).
• 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.

Attributes & Skills

• Education: Current student in their third year or beyond of a bachelor’s program, or currently enrolled in a master’s or doctorate program.
• Availability: 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, including:
  • Frequency response
  • Stability margins
  • PID design and tuning
  • 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.
• Embodies SharkNinja’s success drivers:
  • Rarely Satisfied – Adopt a “no delays” mentality in delivering against market needs/timing.
  • Progress over Perfection – Make quick, daily progress and continuously adapts to achieve results rather than requiring perfect planning.
  • Details Make the Difference – Can coordinate timelines & deliverables to ensure accuracy and consistency across all consumer-facing materials.
  • Winning is a Team Sport – Ability to develop strong cross-functional relationships.
  • Communicate for Impact – Strong communication skills – ability to deliver effective presentations to all levels of management.

Preferred/Bonus 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.

Application Note: Due to the high volume of applications for early talent roles, response times may vary. Your patience is appreciated.

Salary and Other Compensation

The hourly salary range for this position is $17—$44 USD. Factors affecting starting pay may include geography/market, skills, education, experience, and other qualifications.

The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical insurance
• Health savings account (HSA) with company contribution
• Sick time
• Company holidays
• Employee product discount
• Product testing opportunities
• Referral bonuses
• And more.

Our Culture

At SharkNinja, we embody an “Outrageously Extraordinary” mindset, constantly pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional results. If you thrive on breaking out of your swim lane, you’ll find a welcoming home here.

What We Offer

We provide competitive health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, employee stock purchase options, wellness programs, SharkNinja product discounts, and more. We empower your personal and professional growth with high-impact Learning Programs. When you join, you become part of an outrageously extraordinary community, where together, we aim to disrupt entire markets.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At SharkNinja, DEI is vital to our global success. We value each unique voice and believe that blending diverse skills strengthens innovation daily. We support all associates in bringing their authentic selves to work, making an impact, and having opportunities for career acceleration. With leadership, associate, and community support, equity is a key component of the SharkNinja DNA.

Learn More About Us

• Life At SharkNinja
• Outrageously Extraordinary
• SharkNinja Candidate Privacy Notice (links provided for various regions)

SharkNinja does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other class protected by legislation and local law. Reasonable accommodations consistent with legislation and local law will be considered. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact SharkNinja People & Culture at accommodations@sharkninja.com.